Texas faces $9.9 billion budget shortfall this session
Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn warned lawmakers at a Monday briefing that the state faces a $9.9 billion budget gap for the current two year budget, driven by higher Medicaid costs and a slowing economy. To maintain current services, about $8.1 billion more than anticipated will be required, yielding a total shortfall nearly double initial projections as legislators begin the 140 day session in Austin.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Austin
Carole Keeton Strayham
Strayhorn
Associated Press
Harry Cablock
TEXAS
Carole Keston Strayhorn
Carole Keeton Strayhorn
Baytown
Chambers County
Baytown Sun
Timothy Williams
Jonathan Yarbrough
United Way of
Bay Area
Southwest Bank of Texas
Conrad Magouirk
Rollingbrook Drive
United Way
Alexander Drive
Ward Road
Reps Say Budget Gap Grows to 9.9 Billion
Texas lawmakers warn of a 9.9 billion shortfall in the state budget doubling earlier estimates. Baytown and Chambers County legislators expect deeper program cuts rather than new taxes to balance the budget as swearing in takes place at the Capitol in Austin. Wayne Smith of Baytown notes the projection could still rise above 12 billion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Capitol
Austin
Wayne Smith
Rbaytown
Easum named Mont Belvieu city administrator
Mont Belvieu council approved Bryan Easum as the new city administrator, replacing Doug Maurer who was ousted six months ago. Easum, previously administrator in Tulsa Texas, edged out Micholas Finan and Robert T McLianiel after days of interviews by the Waters Group and the council.
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Mont Belvieu
Bryan Easum
Easum
Tulsa
Texas
Doug Maurer
Maurer
Lonnie Follis
Charlie Shapard
Waters Group
Schneider
The
Goose Creek prepares for early start to school year
Baytown district eyes Aug 14 start if TEA waiver granted this spring. Public hearing set Feb 24 and final calendar due March 24 as board approves $182,000 in instructional hardware and software purchases for Cedar Bayou Junior, School Community Guidance Center, and Gentry Junior.
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Baytown
Goose Creek
Texas Education Agency
Beverly Walker
Walker
Dell
Freda Wilcox
County renews consultant contract with Chambers County
Chambers County commissioners on Monday extended the contract of consultant Robert Hayes amid revenue shortfalls from construction delays and permitting. Hayes will continue providing consulting services and actively recruiting clients for the county incinerator, earning a commission to bring in customers. If commissions fall below six thousand dollars monthly the county will cover the shortfall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Anahuac
Chambers County
Robert Hayes
Hayes
Anahuac to Fight Phone Rate Increase
Anahuac City Council hired an attorney to oppose Texas Alltel Inc. surcharge hike proposed for business lines at 1.22 and residential lines at 0.61. Alderman Guy Robert Jackson noted lack of notice to residents and urged city action. See Anahuac on Page 3A.
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Anahuac
Texas Alltel Inc
Texas Alltel
Guy Robert Jackson
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Goa
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