Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, Speaker Straus Direct Agencies to Identify 10 Percent Savings in Next Biennial Budget

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus today sent a letter directing the process by which each state agency will develop its legislative appropriations request for the 2012-2013 biennial budget. Those requests will be submitted to the governor and Legislative Budget Board between August 2 and 30. The letter also directs agencies to submit a supplemental schedule detailing how they would reduce their baseline request by an additional 10 percent (in five percent increments) in general revenue-related funding.

“As we move into the upcoming budget cycle, state leadership will continue to identify ways to trim spending, just as families and businesses across the state have done, in order to balance our budget,” Gov. Perry said. “This request for 10 percent reduction proposals for the next biennium builds on our ongoing call on state agencies to tighten their belts so Texas can continue our commitment to keep taxes low, attract businesses and create jobs as we continue to lead the way out of the national economic downturn.”

To view the leadership’s letter to state agencies, please visit http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/LAR/LAR_Policy_Letter.pdf