The Texas House has tentatively adopted a $3 billion plan to help state agencies cover unexpected costs.
The measure, approved Thursday by a 141-5 vote, includes spending on expenses associated with Hurricane Ike and the restoration of the fire-ravaged Governor's Mansion. It depends heavily on federal stimulus money, including $1.6 billion to help cover rising Medicaid costs.
The debate kicks off three days of budget talks in the House, with the $178 billion budget for 2010-2011 on the agenda for Friday. It's expected to spill over into the weekend.
The measure being discussed Thursday is to close out the 2008-2009 budget period, which ends in August.
Copyright The Associated Press
