Texas House Approves $337B Budget for 2026-27

The Texas House has approved a $337 billion budget for the 2026-27 period after extensive debate, focusing on public education funding, property tax relief, and border security. The budget passed by a vote of 118-26 and now enters negotiations with the Senate to reconcile differences before potentially being signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Key highlights include $75.6 billion for public schools and $51 billion for property tax cuts, while the proposal rejects Medicaid expansion. The budget also reallocates $70 million from Medicaid to a program for pregnant women and defunds the Texas Lottery Commission. Debate was intense on topics such as school voucher programs and amendments affecting LGBTQ issues and funding for the Texas Attorney General's Office. The bill includes $153.6 billion in state taxes and $100 billion in federal funds, with the House and Senate needing to resolve remaining disputes before final approval.