Texas lawmakers agree on balanced budget with spending increases

Texas House and Senate lawmakers have ironed out a $3 billion difference in their budget proposals and unanimously approved a final spending plan. The bill now goes back to each chamber for approval. Once passed, it will head to the governor’s desk.

Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who chairs the Senate Finance committee, said the process was amicable. Nelson has led the Senate’s budget writing effort for the fourth session in a row. House Appropriations Committee chair Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, said the conferees worked well together despite an unusually complex and challenging budgetary process.