State budget decisions shape the Texas we live in today and pass on to future generations, and the 2020-2021 budget cycle is already underway even though the Legislature won’t gavel in until January.
Agencies have submitted their budget requests, and lawmakers are holding budget hearings at the Capitol.
A few of the hearings we’ll be watching:
September 10 – Department of State Health Services
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Texas State Capitol in Room E2.026
Why we’re watching: This agency’s budget includes funding for health services for children with special needs, maternal health, public health programs, and more.
September 12 – Texas Education Agency
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Texas State Capitol in Room E2.036
Why we’re watching: This agency’s budget includes the Foundation School Program, the state-local framework for funding public schools
September 19 – Health and Human Services Commission
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Texas State Capitol in Room E2.016
Why we’re watching: This agency’s budget includes funding for Medicaid, mental health access, women’s health and family planning, and more!
Get Involved: These hearings offer concerned Texans a chance to testify on how state services can be improved and help policymakers understand how the funding decisions they make in Austin impact your community. If you haven’t testified before, check out this example of advocates testifying on the Texas Workforce Commission’s budget proposal (at the 40 minute mark).
Follow @CPPP_TX and @DeLunaEva for updates, and check out the LBB website for the full schedule of upcoming budget hearings.
