Monday, January 14, 2013
LEGISLATIVE SESSION OPENS WITH BETTER BUDGET NEWS, MORE DOCTORS IN THE HOUSE
Just like 2011, the Texas Legislature convened this year with a
host of new members filling the chairs and House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San
Antonio) easily winning reelection. But unlike two years ago, when lawmakers had
the challenge of balancing the state budget with a $27 billion shortfall, the
budget picture is now much brighter. Comptroller Susan Combs is forecasting an
$8.8 billion surplus for this budget cycle; she said lawmakers should have
$101.4 billion to spend for the 2014-15 biennium. The budget surplus could go
fast as legislators have to contend with a $4.7 billion shortfall in the current
Medicaid budget before they start tackling the next two-year budget. And Gov.
Rick Perry told lawmakers the rosier budget picture should make them start
thinking of tax relief rather than increased spending. “For the sake of all
Texas taxpayers, we must control the appetite for more spending,” he said. In
this video edition of TMA Legislative News Hotline, TMA
lobbyists Darren Whitehurst and Dan Finch discuss what it means that a record
eight physician and TMA Alliance members took the oath of office at the start of
the 83rd session.
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