Texas House Member Rep.
Kirk England praised the new budget which finally passed the House by a 142-2 vote on Friday. "Through the hard work of our appropriations committee we were able to cut taxes, increase public and higher education funding, and still uphold our state's conservative fiscal tradition with a balanced budget,"
England said.
The 2010-2011 budget reduces general revenue spending by $1.6 billion dollars, nearly a 2% decrease from 2008-2009. The Rainy Day Fund was left untouched, which strengthens the state government's financial safety net. The Fund will now be able to help with a possible deficit heading into the next legislative session.
The tax cut will remove about 40,000 small business from the tax rolls. This relief could prove vital as the
Texas economy gradually climbs out of recession.
Significant elements from the new fiscal education plan include an additional $1.9 billion in public school funding and a $1.2 billion increase in higher education. These funds will result in a statewide raise for our schoolteachers and allow an additional 30,000 prospective college students to receive financial aid through the Texas Saver program.
The budget also funds House Bill 130, co-authored by Representative England, which would enhance the quality of full-day pre-kindergarten programs. "This bill allows our school districts to more fully invest in the early stages of our children's education," stated Mr.
England. "These programs will considerably enhance the academic success of the students involved."
Representative England was also a leader in the consumer protection movement this session.
England authored House Bill 2395, which protects homeowners when purchasing a property from being overcharged for the resale certificate by property owners associations.
Rep. England serves on the House Business and Industry Committee and the Corrections Committee. June 1st will mark the completion of his third consecutive legislative session.
