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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2003
Contact: James Bernsen (512) 463-0630
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House passes appropriations bill
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AUSTIN – The Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed House Bill 1, the appropriations bill. Representative Dianne White Delisi, District 55, voted with 98 other members for the $117 billion bill, which contains spending and avoids new taxes.
"House Bill 1 prioritized the vital services in the previous budget," Delisi said. "Although many deep cuts have been made, the impact of these cuts have been greatly reduced by the many efficiencies we have found in the process."
The budget includes $117 billion in spending, including $63.8 billion in general revenue. That represents a decrease of $3.4 billion. However, federal funds would increase by $2.2 billion and other funds would increase by $1.7 billion.
"This bill reflects the best effort of the state to tighten its belt in these tough economic times," Delisi said. "Although I do not agree with all of the cuts we have made, I believe this is the best bill possible under the circumstances, because it controls spending and avoids increased taxes."
Delisi, chair of the House Select Committee on State Health Care Expenditures, has passed several bills, with a total savings of over $400 million. Her committee, and others, such as the Government Reform Committee, have also found innovative ways to re-think government spending.
The appropriations bill will now move to the Senate, where it will be debated before a house/senate conference committee will take it up in its final incarnation.
"This is a long process, and this bill may still see some changes," Delisi said. "But I think we must hold true to one commitment: that government is best which does a few things and does them well. Texas must continue to do a few things well, and keep our taxes low."
"I know the problems that many Texans are facing in this economy, but new taxes aren’t the answer," Delisi said. "Avoiding a tax increase is the recipe for generating the economic growth Texas needs for recovery. In the long run, a good economy is the best service we can provide to the people of Texas."
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