Directing all state agencies and local governments to ensure that federal stimulus funding be used only to finance one-time, non-recurring expenses that do not require permanent changes to Texas law and that federal stimulus funds received by the state not impact the maintenance of effort required by any public health, public education, or welfare program to attract federal matching funds in the future.
Impact
The resolution seeks to safeguard Texas's economic structure against potential negative impacts from increased government spending. By strictly guiding the use of federal funds, HCR116 aims to ensure that the state does not incur future liabilities when these stimulus funds are no longer available. Advocates argue that this protective measure is crucial for maintaining Texas's low taxation and balanced budget, allowing the state to continue thriving in job creation and economic output without relying on unstable federal funding.
Summary
HCR116 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas legislature, emphasizing the proper utilization of federal stimulus funds resulting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The resolution calls for all state agencies and local governments to prioritize one-time, non-recurring expenses when using these funds. The aim is to prevent the establishment of new programs or the expansion of existing ones that could lead to permanent financial commitments from the state's budget. This approach aligns with Texas's historically fiscally conservative policies, which have contributed to its growth and economic stability.
Contention
Notable contention arises from concerns regarding the future implications of such restrictions imposed by HCR116. While supporters argue the necessity of maintaining financial conservativism, critics may contend that the restrictive nature of the resolution could hinder local governments' abilities to address urgent needs, especially in public health and education sectors. The resolution’s emphasis on non-recurring expenses may inadvertently limit the state's response to ongoing community challenges that require more sustained funding beyond one-time allocations.
Urging Congress to amend federal law to allow states to provide for the consolidation of federally funded workforce development services with federally funded social safety net services.
Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, support the horse racing industry, and reform horse racing and greyhound racing by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, authorizing sports wagering, authorizing Tribal-State compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes, and creating the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering; requiring a license to conduct casino gaming; and requiring the imposition of a casino gaming tax, sports wagering tax, and license application fees.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.