Billions of available dollars remain unspent under a House budget that sets up battles over tax cuts and extra money for roads and classrooms in the final two months of the Legislature.
More than $8 billion is left on the table in the two-year spending plan that advanced Tuesday to the House floor. Pressure to use that money on overcrowded Texas highways and prekindergarten expansion is likely ahead.
Texas is flush with cash after years of booming oil production but a slowdown has some urging caution.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants more than $4 billion in tax relief and more spending on border security. Tax cuts are not reflected in the spending bill headed to the House.
The Senate is expected to put final touches on its budget this week.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
