chap 11 govt TX 2

Biennial Budget

The state budget prepared every two years in Texas.

Pay-As-You-Go Limit

A limit that requires spending not to exceed revenue projections, as mandated in Article 3, Section 49a of the Texas Constitution.

Appropriations

Legislative authorization for spending money.

Article 3, Section 49a

A section of the Texas Constitution that requires a balanced budget.

Dual-Budget System

A budgeting system in Texas involving both the governor and the legislature, where the legislature holds primary control.

Revenue Estimate

Forecast of revenue provided by the Comptroller of Texas.

Executive Budget

The budget proposal submitted by the governor.

Legislative Budget

The budget typically created and controlled by the legislature, in contrast to the executive budget.

Committee Reviews

The process where the budget is debated and amended in legislative committees.

Certification

The process by which the Comptroller ensures the proposed budget is balanced.

Final Approval

The last step in the budgetary process where the budget is passed by both chambers of the legislature and signed by the governor.

State Auditor's Office

An office that ensures accountability and compliance in state spending.

Welfare-Spending Caps

Limits on the amount of money that can be spent on welfare from the state's budget.

Debt Payable from the General Revenue Fund

Limits imposed on the amount of debt that can be serviced from the General Revenue Fund.

Recent Budget Politics

Political focus within Texas budget discussions that is often centered on tax reduction and spending cuts, primarily influenced by Republican priorities.