Every Texan believes that maintaining and improving access to health care, quality preK-12 schools and affordable college; improving housing affordability; and providing other essential social services should take priority for any remaining funds made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. As for General Revenue that may actually come from a significantly improved economy, rather than from one-time federal aid, the legislature should prioritize ongoing investments, such as an increase in the Basic Allotment, or a one-time cost such as a pre-funded Teacher Retirement System pension cost-of-living increase, over additional state or local tax cuts.
