Leo Wilson touts state budget
House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson
AUSTIN– On the heels of the 89th Legislative Session coming to a close, House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson-R is touting this year's state budget as a win for conservatism and the Gulf Coast.
Representing Chambers and Galveston counties, Leo Wilson is heavily invested in her advocacy for coastal Texans.
"I am proud to support a budget that delivers for our families, supports our educators, and makes meaningful investments in the Gulf Coast," Leo Wilson said. "This budget reflects our commitment to conservative principles while ensuring our communities receive the resources they need."
According to a press release from her office, the $338 billion state budget "addresses critical needs and does it conservatively."
That is being questioned by some more staunch fiscal conservatives, who have argued that the budget fell short and failed to offer more significant property tax relief.
Proponents like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick argue that the state was able to provide $51 billion in property tax relief, with a large portion focused on seniors across the state.
Opponents of the bill, like House District 10 Rep. Brian Harrison, argue that cuts did not go far enough, pointing to the state's $24 billion surplus.
He called the recently passed budget "the most bloated, liberal, budget ever written in the history of the state of Texas."
Harrison has often been at odds with other Republicans during the session, taking a hard right stance on issues.
Leo Wilson's office acknowledges that she would have supported a more conservative budget or larger property tax savings had the legislation been presented.
The second-term legislator is also celebrating local wins that will impact her constituents and the Texas Gulf Coast.
Specific priorities that impact Chambers County are:
• Flood Control and Coastal Protection: Funding allocated to the Texas General Land Office and Texas Water Development Board will assist with storm surge protection and projects in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including continued planning for the Coastal Spine.
• Rural Health Care: Support for the continued expansion of health services in Chambers County, including eligibility for Rural Hospital Stabilization Grants.
A press release from Leo Wilson's office also pointed to significant budget items impacting all Texans:
• Property Tax Relief:
o $51 billion, which is 15% of the total budget and 128% ($11 billion) more than the previous state budget
o Funds a $140K homestead exemption ($200,000 for seniors & disabled) and a $125,000 exemption for businesses, contingent upon voter approval in November
o Adds 6.8¢ in additional rate compression to buy down property taxes ($3 billion rate compression)
• Public Education:
o $75 billion in total, including $8.5 billion in new, targeted education reforms and an additional $2B in recapture reduction
o $4 billion for record teacher & staff pay raises
o $1 billion for school choice via education savings accounts
o $430 million for school safety upgrades
o $369 million to reduce the cost of health insurance for teachers
o $300 million increase in the small and mid-sized school allotment to support rural schools
• Higher Education:
o $2.5 billion for Texas universities & research initiatives
o $2.3 billion to increase affordability for students & faculty through financial aid & employee health insurance cost relief
o $71million to expand first-year residency slots in medical schools
o $850 million for Texas State Technical College Endowment
• Public Safety:
o $3 billion for border security
o $421 million to add 467+ state troopers & improve driver license services
o $411 million to expand correctional facilities
o $330 million to support local law enforcement & rural prosecutors
o $378 million to boost corrections/probation officer pay
o $174 million for judicial pay raises
o $330.8 million for rural county law enforcement
• Infrastructure:
o $30 billion for road projects across Texas
o $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund
o $2.5 billion for water & flood infrastructure
o $350 million to advance nuclear energy
o $1 billion for high-risk cybersecurity projects
o $135 million to establish the Texas Cyber Command
o $493 million to improve wildfire response & readiness
o $91 million for local & state parks
• Health & Human Services:
o Over $215 million for rural healthcare & grants for new ambulances
o $1 billion in wage increases for personal care attendants
o $340 million for new mental health beds, plus $54M for youth crisis outreach
o $252 million for women's health
o $177 million to support victims of rape, trafficking and child abuse
o $116.5 million to keep foster kids closer to home with Community-Based Care
• Economic Development & Workforce:
o $5.5 billion (All Funds) for workforce development programs
o $100 million to expand access to childcare for low-income families
o $100 million in loans & grants to support farmers & ranchers
o $300 million to expand Texas' space industry
o $250 million to support semiconductor & microchip manufacturing