By Luke Torrez
The state budget has been released as of this morning, being passed through the House of Representatives and confirmed. With state general fund expenses, the Department of Education receives the largest cut at $90,000. This cut reflects the value Sam Houston and Shawn Sullivan’s emphasis on the importance of education mentioned during the debates. However, education received the lowest cut in regards to operations and management at $20,500. This proves to be fairly compensated by employee expenses, in which education receives $7,425, ensuring that educators get a fair salary. .
The Department of Health and Safety has the highest amount contributed towards operations and management. However, it ranks lowest in New Construction and Capitol Expenses, and Employee Expenses. The Department of Natural Resources and Public Utilities, along with the Department of Commerce and Transportation, consistently were in the middle of the budgeted allocation amounts.