Budget
- Faced with a projected $10 billion shortfall,
we successfully balanced the state budget without
raising taxes and without hindering the delivery of
critically needed services.
Tort
Reform - We passed meaningful lawsuit reform
that will increase access to health care, protect doctors
from frivolous lawsuits, and allow small businesses to flourish.
Education
- We increased funding for public education by $1.2
billion, maintained funding for gifted programs and children
with disabilities, and fully funded contributions to the
Teachers Retirement System Trust Fund.
Health
Care - We kept open all state schools for people
with mental retardation and mental illnesses, fully funded
the immunization and epilepsy programs, and added 356 staff
for estimated caseload growth at Child Protective Services.
Insurance
Reform - We passed legislation that significantly
reformed homeowners and automobile insurance in an effort
to increase competition and lower costs for consumers. Although
not guaranteed by law, initial estimates project that insurance
rates will drop up to 18%.
Transportation
- We passed legislation creating the Trans-Texas Corridor,
which will consist of toll and non-toll roads, passenger
and freight train lines, and public utility easements, all
intended to reduce traffic congestion in Texas.
