Legislators ready to roll on transportation funding (updated)

[TexasTowelie]

Last edited Mon Jul 29, 2013, 09:58 PM - Edit history (1)

AUSTIN — Legislative negotiators have agreed on transportation funding, but the deal is not sealed, one said Monday.

“Now we have to take it to our respective bodies,” said Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, one of the negotiators.

Pickett said continued discussion is expected over a push by some Republicans who say they need to ensure that the rainy day fund keeps a solid balance despite the diversion of some funds to transportation. Others, including a number of House Democrats, have opposed that idea because they say the Legislature in any case gets to decide whether to take money from the fund.

Voters must approve a constitutional amendment in November 2014 for the money to be diverted away from the state's rainy day fund.

More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/texas_legislature/article/Legislators-ready-to-roll-on-transportation-4693376.php .

[font color=navy]Update:

House fails to pass road funding measure

Updated at 5:25 p.m.: The Texas House has failed to approve a constitutional amendment to boost funding for roads and bridges possibly triggering a third special session.

The House adjourned Monday and with plans to return Tuesday, the last day of the second special session. Gov. Rick Perry has promised to call a third special session if the package to boost spending on roads and bridges by more than $840 million a year did not pass.[/font]

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/transportation/road-deal-no-sure-thing-as-legislature-reconvenes/nY64p/

[Ilsa]

1. "Rainy Day Fund".

Geez, it would have to be snowing ice bergs in the Valley for them to tap the RDF.

[TexasTowelie]

2. Updated.

See link in OP.

[They_Live]

3. It would be nice if we could

all have our little piece of that Rainy Day Fund back. I won't spend it. I promise. I just want to invest it until the State needs it back.