There's plenty of money available for Texas legislators to help flood-ravaged Hill County residents, according to the state money manager, as lawmakers gather in Austin and set up committees to churn up legislation mandated by the governor.
The Comptroller's office said Monday that there's about $3 billion that can be used to pay for Central Texas emergency warning systems, general assistance to Hill County residents following recent deadly flooding events, and for other public spending, as the legislature meets in special session over the next 30 days.
Acting Comptroller of Public Accounts Kelly Hancock said the state's "revenue estimates are holding steady" and the amount of cash in the state's "rainy day" account is at a record high.
The Economic Stabilization Fund (the Rainy Day Fund to be used in emergencies or during extreme economic downturns) is estimated to be $28.5 billion at the end of fiscal 2027, which is the end of the current two year budget cycle (2026-2027),
The $3 billion estimate of available spending is remarkable because it includes expected expenses from the bills passed into law during the Regular Session of the Legislature that ended early last month.
This special session is expected to include redistricting efforts, disaster aid for flood victims, water resources management and property tax relief, each of which can weigh heavily on the state budget.