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Dear {name},
This week, the Texas House adopted its version of the state budget for 2026-2027. (Texas’ budget year starts on September 1, so the 2026 budget will take effect September 1, 2025.) The Senate passed its version of the budget last month; now designees from both chambers will meet in a conference committee to reconcile the two versions.
Unlike the Senate, which passed the budget 31-0 with no amendments, the House—as is its custom—debated the bill for more than 14 hours, with members offering hundreds of amendments. Most amendments were sent to Article 11, also known as the appropriations “wish list” of items that *might* get added to the budget if there are sufficient funds. Some amendments were adopted, and there were record votes on every amendment considered.
The debate included some surprising moments, including a proposal to entirely defund the University of Texas at Austin “because the university is offering a certificate or degree program, including a major or minor, or a course in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer studies or in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a program or course that does not comply with the biological reality that there are only two sexes – male and female – and they are not changeable.” |
