TX Senate Finance Committee Still Divided on Using Rainy Day Money

Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan)
Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Texas Senate remains deeply divided over its budget plan and proposals to use $3 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan, Republican chairman of the Senate Finance committee, said Thursday he still doesn’t have enough votes to pass a bill that uses the money.

But without it, he says the Senate would have to cut even more than it already does. Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, leader of the Senate Democrats, says Democrats won’t support more cuts.

The conflict has left the Senate fighting over the one bill lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass.

Ogden says the Senate will keep looking for alternative sources of money, but he will keep fighting to spend part of the Rainy Day Fund.

Scott DeLucia visits with Senator Ogden Friday mornings on WTAW’s The Infomanaics.

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