Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

April 20, 2009

~Balanced Budget Wins Unanimous Support~

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AUSTIN- State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr. applauded the Texas House of Representatives for adopting the state's 2010-2011 budget on Saturday. The House adopted the budget by a vote of 149-0.

"Members really worked together to produce a balanced budget that benefits all Texans," Ortiz said. "Speaker Joe Straus, Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, and Vice Chair Richard Raymond led a bipartisan process that allowed members to come to a consensus on spending priorities in difficult economic times."

The budget approved by the House reduces general revenue spending by 2.5 percent and makes prudent use of federal stimulus funding. The budget includes $178 billion in all funds, nearly $80 billion in General Revenue funds and about $11 billion in federal stimulus funds for to education, Medicaid, transportation, and other priorities.

"Federal stimulus funding was key to closing a significant budget gap," Ortiz said. "We were able to pass a balanced budget that funds essential government services and makes important investments in education and health care."

The budget also includes new money for mental health and counseling services for veterans, a pay raise for correctional officers, and a thirteenth check for retired teachers.

Budget Adopted by Texas House of Representatives

* Increased scholarships for low-income college students.
* $113.9 million increase in general revenue funding to continue the CHIP program
* $15 billion for road construction and maintenance
* $200 million to rail relocation, could possibly be used to upgrade Laredo-Corpus rail line
* Authorizes $300 million in bonds for cancer research.

For a closer look at the budget, visit www.lbb.state.tx.us .

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.