Gov. Perry details priorities for 83rd Legislature
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On the Senate side of the Capitol Monday afternoon, Gov. Rick Perry outlined his priorities for the session.
While the state's recently released budget forecast has taken a turn for the better, the governor urged lawmakers to end what he called an “appetite for spending.”
"Trust me when I tell you there are interests across the state who viewed Monday's revenue estimates as ringing the dinner bell,” Gov. Perry said. “They all want more."
But many Democrats say some spending is necessary, and that schools should be refunded some of the $5.4 billion slashed from their budgets last session.
"It's time for us, I think, to come together, set aside partisan differences, and find a permanent solution to our school funding problems," Democratic Sen. Kirk Watson said.
Democrats also say the state will have to fork over money for IOUs following decisions made to balance the budget last session.
Governor Perry also touched on policy issues he'd like to see passed this session, including the "fetal pain" bill that would curb late-term abortions.
Perry has also asked lawmakers to consider legislation to require drug testing for people applying to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a welfare program for low-income families.