The Texas legislative session is underway with lawmakers now deciding how to divvy up a record $33 billion surplus.
Re-elected House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, says the primary goal is to offer property tax relief, while also boosting teacher pay, school security, access to health care and infrastructure needs.
"With a once-in-a-lifetime budget surplus, now is the time to put a down payment on the future of Texas," Phelan said to applause.
"Texans want a reliable supply of water, resiliency from flooding, dependable energy and high-speed internet across this great state," he added. "They want exceptional schools with exceptional teachers."
Rice University's Mark Jones told KPRC 2 everyone wants a piece of the pie.
"Whether it's for mental health hospitals. Whether it's for the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, rural sheriffs, power plant generations. There certainly, as I think Sen. Paul Bettencourt mentioned, going to be a real push to increase the homestead exemption."
The state comptroller also is projecting a record $188 billion in revenue over the next two years.
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