Today Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1, the General Appropriations Act, into law. Upon signing the 2016-2017 budget, Governor Abbott released the following statement:
“I am proud to sign a Texas budget that cuts taxes, provides a record amount of funding to secure the border, improves our schools and builds more roads. This budget proves that government can control its spending while ensuring the essential needs of its citizens are met.” Abbott further stated in his proclamation, “We must ensure that future spending continues to be restrained and prioritized by passing a constitutional amendment setting a population-plus-inflation-based growth limit. This was a priority of mine for the 84th Legislative Session, and it will continue to be one of my top priorities throughout my tenure as Governor.”
Abbott vetoed nearly $233 million in discretionary spending and made over $295 million in overall reductions – some of these include certain contingency riders for legislation that did not pass or that was vetoed. To read the full budget proclamation, including line item veto statements, click here.
Abbott also signed HB 2, the supplemental appropriations bill, today. To read the full proclamation, including the line item veto statement, click here and scroll down towards the end of the document.
Click on the following links for the list of all additional bills (including HCRs and SCRs):
- Signed by Governor (1,202) – signature statements
- Filed Without Signature by Governor (162)
- Vetoed by Governor (42) – veto statements
Abbott’s total of vetoes rose to 42 today for the 84th Session, it has been reported this will be the final total, the highest number of vetoes since 2007 when Gov. Perry issued 56; however, the most vetoes ever from a Governor would be when Perry issued 83 in 2001 – complete veto history.