Big Bucks to Pay for Ike, Mansion Repairs

$3 Billion approved to pay for unexpected costs.

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 AP - Associated Press
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