The House has introduced a budget plan that emphasizes public safety, taxpayer protection, and government accountability. Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro described it as “a sound, disciplined budget that delivers safe communities, strong families, and a government that lives within its means.” The budget proposal includes several key initiatives.
Law enforcement officers in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and corrections will receive a 5% pay increase. Infrastructure improvements are also prioritized with $94 million allocated for projects such as enhancements to I-10 and Highway 347.
In the education sector, the budget aims to reduce tuition at public universities by 2.5%, accompanied by a three-year tuition freeze. Additionally, full funding is provided for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA), alongside efforts to streamline application backlogs.
The plan supports families through fully funded Parents as Paid Caregivers programs and developmental disability services. It also introduces an expanded adoption tax deduction to further assist families.
Election system funding is included to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls.
Montenegro summarized the approach by stating: “We’re raising pay for our state law enforcement officers, reducing tuition at public universities, fully funding school choice, fixing critical infrastructure and roads, and protecting taxpayers. Our budget reins in government and puts it back to work for the people it serves.”
For more details on the House’s budget plan, Speaker Montenegro’s video can be viewed here: youtu.be/g82Ek16SnCM
