“Today I was proud to support the Senate’s supplemental budget, Senate Bill 500. The bill’s unanimous passage is a clear signal that the state is serious about addressing the catastrophic damage from Hurricane Harvey, and taking proactive steps to ensure that the entire state is better prepared for future storms. The bill also prioritizes school safety, and keeps our commitment to Texas teachers in the Teachers Retirement Fund.

“We are able to address these critical needs for our state because of conservative budgeting, and this budget is no departure and stays well within the constitutional spending limit. Every item in SB 500 that uses the Economic Stabilization Fund is a one-time expense. Texas has protected our Rainy Day fund for many years, and Harvey recovery and investing in flood mitigation are exactly what the Rainy Day Fund was designed for. The Rainy Day fund is at a historic balance and is projected to reach $15 billion.

“I want to especially thank Chairwoman Nelson and the Members of Senate Finance for the many hours they spent crafting a conservative, responsible budget that meets Texas’ obligations and priorities.”

SB 500 provides $6 billion in state dollars to cover supplemental needs, including:

• more than $3 billion for Harvey-related expenses;
• $2.1 billion to address the Medicaid shortfall;
• $100 million for school safety, with an amendment for building and retrofitting, and providing flexibility on the type of safety equipment they can buy;
• $300 million to continue the Legislature's commitment to improve state hospital facilities;
• $542 million to address pension liabilities for the Teacher Retirement System and provide retired teachers a 13th check up to $500;
• $211 million to pay obligations of the Texas Tomorrow Fund;
• $160 million to address the Correctional Managed Health Care shortfall; and
• $100 million to refill the Governor's Disaster Fund to help rebuild from natural disasters.

Out of the $6 billion, $4.3 billion comes out of the Economic Stabilization Fund.

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