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Promises about State Finances on Abbott-O-Meter
Give the governor power to reduce, but not eliminate, individual spending items in state budget
"Granting 'reduction' line-item veto authority to the Texas governor would give a fiscally responsible governor a useful tool to reduce spending without eviscerating appropriations entirely." Abbott said this change would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.
Bar statutorily-dedicated accounts from being used simply to certify the state budget is balanced
"Prohibiting the practice of funds consolidation is a critical reform that will restore truth-in-budgeting. Dedicated accounts should be used only for their intended purpose, not to grow the state budget." Abbott said this change, taking effect in 2023-24, would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.
Impose a stricter constitutional spending cap based on population growth and inflation
Texas' current constitutional spending limit "must be strengthened." Imposing a tougher limit would require lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment.
Require two-thirds' vote of Texas House and Senate to override constitutional spending limit
Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment to toughen the existing ability of lawmakers to override the spending limit by majority votes of the House and Senate.
Change allowed uses of state rainy day funds
Voters should be asked to approve a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Economic Stabilization Fund to be used to cover current-biennium revenue shortfalls, retire existing state debt, make one-time infrastructure payments or to cover expenses related to disasters as declared by the governor.