After 140 days of proposed legislation, negotiations, and passionate debate, the 85th Legislative Session concluded this week.
The Legislature approved a $217 billion two-year budget that encompasses $20 million in additional funding for our local community colleges and fully funds healthcare for our retired teachers through the biennium. I am especially proud of the efforts we made to provide an additional $500 million in resources for the state’s foster care system and CPS, improving care for our most vulnerable children.
However, the budget fails to adequately invest in healthcare services, while also allocating an additional $800 million in “border security” funds for the Department of Public Safety for initiatives that lack transparency and hard accountability standards. I look forward to addressing these topics with my colleagues during the interim.
This session, I passed eleven House Bills addressing a range of issues, from public safety to career training and technical program affordability. I am proud of the work we have accomplished to improve the lives of hardworking Texas families.
As my sixth legislative session ends, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Texas House of Representatives, and look forward to updating you and our neighbors on our successes in Austin!
Kind regards,
Ana Hernandez
State Representative, District 143