For most of us, September means settling into school routines, making plans around Friday night football, and looking forward to the fall months ahead. At the Capitol, it also marks the beginning of a new fiscal year and an important stretch of preparation for the next legislative session.
Texas began a new fiscal year on September 1, entering the second year of our current two-year budget. While agencies carry out the responsibilities funded by that budget, preparations are underway for the 2028–2029 biennium. Developing a sound state budget requires months of careful review, weighing the cost of maintaining essential services against emerging needs and the long-term commitments those decisions create.
That review is underway at the Capitol this month, where state agencies are presenting their funding requests in joint budget hearings. Legislative Budget Board staff and the Governor’s budget office examine those requests, ask questions about agency operations, and assess the need for additional resources.
These hearings help lay the groundwork for the budget the Legislature will consider when we reconvene in January. With that process now moving forward, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share some of the principles that will guide my approach.
As we begin that work, I believe we must always remember that the dollars entrusted to us come from hardworking Texans. Families and small businesses across our district budget carefully, set priorities, and live within their means. They deserve a state government that approaches its responsibilities with the same care and discipline.
That means keeping spending in check, eliminating waste, and expecting agencies to explain how their requests will benefit the people they serve. We also have a responsibility to ensure essential services have the resources to do their jobs well. A thoughtful, conservative budget takes those needs seriously while protecting the taxpayers who make that work possible.
This month’s hearing schedule includes agencies responsible for water infrastructure, health care, education, and emergency preparedness. These issues matter a great deal to East and Southeast Texas, where state and local partners often work together to meet needs a small community could not afford to address on its own.
Whether it’s helping a rural community improve its water system or ensuring firefighters have the equipment they need, I want to know that the dollars we approve are reaching their intended purpose. Careful budgeting requires us to consider both the cost of an investment and the need it will address.
When we return to Austin, the House and Senate will consider these requests alongside the Comptroller’s estimate of available revenue and work toward a final two-year budget. I will remain focused on protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring our schools, law enforcement, and other essential services have the resources they need. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a fiscally conservative budget that addresses the needs of East and Southeast Texas and reflects our region’s values and priorities.
The mobile office is on the road again in September, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: October 14 the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; October 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
