Texas' top legislative leaders are asking for a five-percent budget cut from state departments.
Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent the request to state agencies and higher education institutions Wednesday citing the coronavirus pandemic. The request includes eliminating avoidable travel expenses and not hiring non-essential workers.
DPS, CPS, Emergency Management, State Health Services, Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Military Department are exempt from the request.
Medicaid, CHIP, behavioral health service programs, and debt service requirements are also exempt.