Senate Bill 8 Conference Committee Items for Consideration

As the Senate Bill 8 conference committee convenes to discuss the differences in the appropriation of the $16.3 Billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding, Texas 2036 would like to encourage the conference committee members to consider the following principles in deciding how to deploy these federal funds:

• Target Long-Term Solutions: Pursue prudent, data-driven investments that will positively impact our state for decades to come and reduce future costs.
• Seek Financial Sustainability: This money represents a temporary cash infusion, so the primary focus should be on one-time costs or expenses, including investments that will either generate future revenues or offset future costs.
• Coordinate Efforts to Maximize Impact: Governments, agencies and private sector organizations can make the biggest difference by working together.

Throughout the special session the Legislature has considered many worthwhile items for funding. Texas 2036 offers the following list of items for consideration, which are a non-exhaustive list of impactful options available to the legislature that comply with the principles listed above. These items have been vetted for meeting the above principles, include broad public support, and are in compliance with U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines.