On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee approved SB 500, the supplemental budget.
The bill, authored by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, covers Harvey, the Medicaid shortfall and other critical needs for the state, according to a news release from Nelson’s office.
“The supplemental budget provides funding for some of the Legislature’s key priorities – Hurricane Harvey relief, school safety and healthcare needs,” Nelson said. “It provides significant resources to improve the state’s flood control infrastructure and helps communities along the Gulf Coast rebuild.”
SB 500 provides $6 billion in state dollars to cover supplemental needs, including:
- more than $3 billion for Harvey-related expenses;
- $2.1 billion to address the Medicaid shortfall;
- $100 million for school safety;
- $300 million to continue the Legislature’s commitment to improve state hospital facilities;
- $542 million to address pension liabilities for the Teacher Retirement System and provide retired teacher’s a 13th check up to $500;
- $211 million to pay obligations of the Texas Tomorrow Fund;
- $160 million to address the Correctional Managed Health Care shortfall; and
- $100 million to refill the Governor’s Disaster Fund to help rebuild from natural disasters.
Out of the $6 billion, $4.3 billion comes out of the Economic Stabilization Fund. Adding in SB 500, the current FY 18-19 budget remains under the spending limit. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
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