House OKs Using $3.1 Billion from Rainy Day Fund

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Texas House has tentatively agreed to use more than $3.1 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to help close a deficit in the current budget.

Part of a package that includes spending cuts, the measure will allow the state to pay its bills through Aug. 31.

Democrats tried to take more of the reserve fund to pay for education, nursing homes and other programs that are expected to get slashed.

But Republicans used their supermajority to hold firm, not allowing any more of the fund to be used.

The Rainy Day Fund, made up of revenue from oil and gas taxes, is expected to have a balance of at least $9.4 billion.

The next budget, which covers state spending for 2012-113, is set to come up for debate Friday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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