Promises about State Budget on Abbott-O-Meter

"Granting 'reduction' line-item veto authority to the Texas governor would give a fiscally responsible governor a useful tool to reduce spending without eviscerating appropriations entirely." Abbott said this change would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.

"Prohibiting the practice of funds consolidation is a critical reform that will restore truth-in-budgeting. Dedicated accounts should be used only for their intended purpose, not to grow the state budget." Abbott said this change, taking effect in 2023-24, would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.

Texas' current constitutional spending limit "must be strengthened." Imposing a tougher limit would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.

Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment to toughen the existing ability of lawmakers to override the spending limit by majority votes of the House and Senate.

Voters should be asked to approve a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Economic Stabilization Fund to be used to cover current-biennium revenue shortfalls, retire existing state debt, make one-time infrastructure payments or to cover expenses related to disasters as declared by the governor.