House passes cuts to operation and committee budgets

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Texas House members were all about cutting fat today – fat from their operating budgets and fat from their diets.

To sympathize with massive budget cuts facing state agencies, members unanimously adopted House Resolution 3, which, among other tedious details, reduces the chamber’s operating budget by 10 percent during the session (total savings are about $200,000). HR 3, known as the “housekeeping resolution,” also calls for a 14 percent reduction in operating costs during months the legislature doesn’t meet. It also lowers each committee’s budget by 15-20 percent. “The agencies cut their budgets, and we need to cut ours,” said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-River Oaks.

Rep. Larry Taylor, R-League City, tacked on an amendment, allowing the Democratic and Republican caucuses to use available office space in the Capitol.

Before the members could escape for the long holiday weekend, Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, announced the continuation of last session’s Capitol Wellness group, a chance for House members to exercise together and eat right over the next several months.

“Let’s lead by example and not gain weight this session,” he said.

The House is adjourned until 9:30 a.m. next Tuesday.