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dedication left a lasting impact on the Capitol. Texas’ large deficit was on everyone’s mind. “He talked to us about a number of issues ranging from redistricting to the budget,” said GHBA Past President Kevin Holland, who remarked on his meeting with Representative Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood).


“He emphasized his main focus—you can’t make cuts without knowing what’s in your checkbook.”


This is especially timely as Comptroller Susan Combs just recently released news to legislators that, due to improved sales tax receipts, the State will have $300 million more revenue in its current budget than what was originally projected. This news couldn’t come sooner, as the current budget deficit had been projected at an estimated $4.3 billion.


As legislators move forward with budget talks, the Rainy Day Fund is no longer off the table. The fund is a savings that allows states to set aside excess revenue for use in times of unexpected revenue shortfall and stands at $9.4 billion.


The session began with Governor Rick Perry adamantly protesting utilizing the fund, but on March 15, he relented his stance announcing the agreement with House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio), and Comptroller Susan Combs to "close out the fiscal year 2011 budget gap by implementing $800 million in cuts, using $300 million from increased sales tax collections over the last few months, and using a one-time draw not to exceed $3.2 billion from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund." The House Appropriations Committee voted House Bill 275 out of Committee and to the House floor for a vote that same day.


Nearing the end of Session, the work from Rally Day continues. The week after Rally Day, the GHBA remained committed to your efforts and followed up with legislators on any questions left unanswered. The members were also presented with a concise summary of our 82nd Legislative objective, an addition to the materials provided to them in Rally Day meetings.


It’s important for everyone to know who represents you, and to familiarize yourself with where your legislator stands on the issues. Find out who represents you at: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/. Thank you to all of those who participated in the success of Rally Day 2011, and we hope you will join us again in two years, for the 83rd Session.


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APRIL 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


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