BUDGET

Keeping Budgetary Commitments to the Poor? Texas and the Welfare Block Grant, 1996-2000, a presentation at an international conference on Texas’ use of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

Although the 77th Legislative Session is months away from starting, the state budget-writing cycle for the 2002-2003 biennium is about halfway over. This Policy Page summarizes some of the major steps that have already taken place as agencies develop their budget requests and provides additional information on how you can help make the state budget more responsive to the needs of Texas' low-income families.

Before leaving Washington, D.C., for the July 4th recess, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on appropriations for the federal Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (H.R. 4577), a funding package that cleared the U.S. House of Representatives on June 14th. The Senate took up H.R. 4577 on Thursday, June 22nd and is scheduled to continue debating amendments to it through Wednesday, June 28th. This Policy Page highlights some of the proposals in H.R. 4577 that could significantly affect federal support for Texas' major health and human services, workforce development and education programs.

Interim committees have come to play an important role in state government in both overseeing state agency activities and preparing the policy groundwork for the next legislative session. This Policy Page summarizes key interim committee activities the Center is monitoring and offers ways for interested parties to keep track of their progress and take advantage of opportunities for public input.

Public Input Needed on State Uses of TANF, Social Services Block Grant, Title X (Public Health Services Act), and Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.