KOLKHORST: RECENT OIL & GAS PRICES AFFECTING BUDGET
The Texas State Senate is in the midst of its interim hearings, and one of the most talked-about topics is the recent down-turn in oil and gas prices.
State Comptroller Glen Hager addressed the Senate Finance Committee, Tuesday on its effect for the next budget.
Local State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, a member of the Finance Committee, says the important point is that the state won’t have as much excess money in 2017 as they did last year.
Kolkhorst says it’s even more important now that in the last session the Legislature didn’t spend all of estimated revenue…
Kolkhorst says that whenever oil & gas prices drop, it has a drastic effect on Texas…
Kolkhorst points out that the state also gained 179,000 jobs overall, which compared favorably with other states.
Another point of particular interest to Kolkhorst was the topic of mental health funding in the state.
Kolkhorst says she was thrilled with a rider in the current budget that requires each agency to report what is being spent on mental health...
Kolkhorst is spending Wednesday involved in Transportation Committee hearings.
Texas is doing way better than those northern states! Lot of those states r in big recession and unemployment!
Really? Why know that is an issue. Other than cutting funds to health, education and welfare, how do they plan to deal with this problem? How about putting our revenue eggs in more than the oil industry basket? How about the top statehouse office holders seriously solicting other industries for Texas? It might be possible if the leaders of those other industries had some regard and respect for our state elected officials. That will happen when the voters are more discerning.
You must not travel Hwy 290 and I-10 Eastof Brenham. There are many revenue producing businesses outside the oil and gas industry, just in that part of the state. Senator Kolkhorst said the state will not have as much excess money. She is keeping us accurately informed, unlike many other office holders, I will add.
Remember then Gov Perry did indeed go to California and I think Indiana and New York promoting the Texas businsess climate.