State Budget Guest Blog: Why Care about the Budget?
Mia Ibarra
Outreach Associate, Center for Public Policy Priorities
April 21, 2014
When we hear about the state budget in the news or online, the narrative tends to focus on the degree to which the political parties agree or disagree, what it means for the Texas business climate, and the perspective of political insiders. Rarely do we hear the voices of average Texans or read about how budget decisions affect the well-being of our communities or the services we value: schools, hospitals, transportation, parks, public safety, and more.
With all the numbers it contains, it's easy to forget that, at the end of the day, the budget is a moral document as much as a financial one, reflecting our values and priorities as a state.
So, why is it so important to talk about the budget now, with the legislative session still nine months away? It may surprise some to learn that the budget process and the debate over spending for the next biennium are already under way (see below).
By late spring, the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and the Governor’s Budget Office will issue instructions to state agencies for developing their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs). These requests will be examined in public hearings before the LBB drafts the appropriations bill in fall and winter of 2014. By the time lawmakers gavel in January 2015, many major decisions have already been made.
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There are points in the process, such as the LAR hearings that start in September 2014, when members of the public can share their stories. In an election year when anti-tax rhetoric can reach a fever pitch, it’s also important for state lawmakers to hear from constituents on their budget priorities, whether it’s over the phone, via mail or email, or in the opinion section of the local paper.
You don’t have to be a fiscal analyst to be part of the budget process, but for those who would like a better understanding of our state budget and tax system, Texas Forward’s Talk Taxes webinar series has you covered. The series will also provide strategies for talking about the impact of state spending decisions on your everyday life.
Additional Resources:
- Center for Public Policy Priorities Budget & Tax Primer
- Senate Research Center’s Guide to the Budget Process in Texas
As the Texas budget process gets rolling, it’s crucial for each of us to get informed and get involved. The debate over state spending is really a debate over what kind of Texas we want to live in today and pass on tomorrow to the next generation. The stakes are too high for any of us to stay on the sidelines.
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About Mia
As part of her work as Outreach Associate for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, Mia coordinates the Texas Forward revenue coalition. She works to increase opportunities for all Texans to engage with the state fiscal policy decisions that impact the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities.
About Texas Forward
Texas Forward is a statewide revenue coalition of over 65 organizations that advocates for an equitable, adequate state revenue system to support the public investments we need to make a better Texas for all of us. Learn more at www.TXForward.org.
Get Involved Spotlight
"Disability Issues" covers a lot of ground, and CTD works year round to bring about positive change in as many policy areas as we can. Tell us where you would like to be more involved, and we'll keep you informed about opportunities to support your highest priority issues!
State Budget Links
- LARs (Eric Makowski, CORE Health Care)
- Why Care about the Budget? (Mia Ibarra, CPPP)
