Saturday, May 28, 2005
Budget Passes Senate
SB 1, the budget bill by Sen. Steve Ogden (R- Bryan), just passed the Senate this evening 30 to 1 after opposition to the bill was expressed by several senators. Senators Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin), Mario Gallegos Jr. (D-Houston), and Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) were the most vocal about their reservations and disappointments with the budget, mostly concerning the limited funds for teachers and schools.
"I don't like this budget, it makes me anxious.... we need to do more for Texas," said Sen. Barrientos.
"Today if we don't do better...the next generation won't be as prosperous as this one...that's what we're telling [Texans] with this budget," said Sen. Shapleigh.
Even with the opposition, the bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate, but still faces what promises to be a lengthy debate tomorrow in the House. If SB 1 passes the House tomorrow it makes it way up to the governor's desk.
"I don't like this budget, it makes me anxious.... we need to do more for Texas," said Sen. Barrientos.
"Today if we don't do better...the next generation won't be as prosperous as this one...that's what we're telling [Texans] with this budget," said Sen. Shapleigh.
Even with the opposition, the bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate, but still faces what promises to be a lengthy debate tomorrow in the House. If SB 1 passes the House tomorrow it makes it way up to the governor's desk.