AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - State lawmakers are digging into education funding as the Legislature returns to business after a nearly weeklong break.
The powerful Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to begin a series of hearings Wednesday looking at proposed budgets for public schools and universities. Both absorbed deep cuts two years ago when lawmakers slashed the state budget in the face of a $27 billion shortfall.
Budget-writers this time are working with a much-rosier revenue picture and a revived Texas economy. Yet, budget bills introduced in the House and Senate last week don't reverse more than $5 billion in reduced classroom spending. Republicans say they're committed to funding enrollment growth.
Lawmakers are back at the Capitol following an extended adjournment so that Democrats could attend President Barack Obama's inauguration.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
