Texas Legislature Approves $248 Billion Two-Year State Budget

The Texas Legislature sent a $248 billion two-year state budget to Gov. Greg Abbott after the House approved the measure last Thursday.

The 140-day legislative session ended at midnight May 31. Senate Bill 1 is $13.5 billion less than the previous biennial budget, with the difference to be made up from COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government. As previously reported, Abbott plans to allow leg islators to decide how to allocate those funds during a special session this fall.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has suggested a special session for this summer to address some of his pet bills, such as limiting the participation of transgender athletes in school sports, banning lobbyists paid with public funds and putting limits on social media’s power to restrict users. The Austin American-Statesman reported that Abbott called Patrick’s proposal “pretty goofy,” however. Only the governor can call a special session and dictate the topics to be addressed.

Expanded Health Coverage for Medicaid Moms

The Texas Legislature on Friday approved a bill that provides mothers receiving Medicaid assistance at least six months of health coverage after birth. The measure expands postpartum coverage from the current two months provided under Medicaid.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Toni Rose, D-Dallas, is intended to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Texas and provide added assistance to mothers dealing with postpartum depression.

Medicaid covers almost half of the births in the United States, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. A provision in the American Rescue Plan of 2021 gave states the option of expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage.

More than a third of Texans vaccinated

With shots opened up to anyone 12 and older, more than a third of all Texans — more than 10.2 million — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. That is 35% of the state’s population.

Abbott and the Texas Department of Emergency Management announced last week the expansion of the State Mobile Vaccine Program to include groups of five or more eligible Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, homebound residents can request a unit come to their home. Previously, a minimum of 10 people were required before requesting a mobile vaccination unit.