Latest local news, weather and high school sports from Amarillo

Thursday, April 11, 2013  Once loath to even touch the massive cash reserves in the state's Rainy Day Fund, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature now appears ready to make a big grab.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013  The Texas House is expected to begin debate on a $2 billion state water fund that will be used to build new projects across the state.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013  The Houston and Dallas mayors have told lawmakers that they support a proposed $2 billion fund to finance water projects across the state.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013  State Senator Kel Seliger of Amarillo is moving forward with water legislation.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  One bill for education, one bill for water funding and one bill for welfare administration.

Monday, January 07, 2013  The state comptroller estimates that Texas will generate $92.6 bn in general revenue in 2014-2015 a major jump in tax collection from the last two-year budget cycle.

Monday, August 08, 2011  Stronger-than-expected collections to Oklahoma's general revenue fund have resulted in a deposit to the state's Rainy Day Fund of $30 million more than originally anticipated.

Friday, June 24, 2011  Texas lawmakers started the year promising to make hard choices to solve the largest budget shortfall in the state's history. They delivered one speech after another about not "kicking the can" down the road.

Thursday, June 16, 2011  School districts will be able to pay public school teachers less and furlough them without pay under a bill passed by the House.

Monday, May 16, 2011  The Texas Senate has voted to spend nearly $4 billion from the state's Rainy Day Fund to cover gaps in the current state budget.

Monday, May 02, 2011  A Senate committee has approved the use of $3.25 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to balance this year's state budget.

Monday, April 04, 2011  The Texas House of Representatives voted on a balanced budget for the 2012 - 2013 biennium.

Thursday, March 17, 2011  Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst wants the Senate to turn over every rock to find $5 billion in new revenue.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010  Texas Republican leaders ordered state agencies Tuesday to immediately cut their budgets to brace for a shortfall of up to $18 billion.

Friday, February 12, 2010  Gov. Brad Henry remains optimistic an agreement will be reached with House and Senate leaders on how much to spend from the state's Rainy Day Fund.