State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) participated in a major legislative event early Friday morning, voting in favor of the Texas House's passage of the 2026–2027 state budget. He described the budget as a beneficial outcome for taxpayers and an important development for West Texas.
“This budget is a clear reflection of our conservative principles,” Landgraf stated. “We’re delivering meaningful tax relief, investing in critical infrastructure and Texas public school children, and doing it all while staying well below every constitutional and statutory spending limit. That’s what responsible governing looks like—and it’s exactly what Texans expect and deserve.”
The version of the budget approved by the House is $16 billion under the General Revenue limit and $3 billion below the constitutional cap on spending. This financial strategy will result in a return of surplus funds to taxpayers in Texas.
“We’re putting real dollars behind the priorities that matter most—lower property taxes, stronger public schools, safer communities, and reliable infrastructure,” said Landgraf. He also emphasized that the budget excludes funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, or any “woke” initiatives, assuring that each dollar is focused on essential services that benefit Texans, with remaining funds returned to taxpayers.
The budget outlines $51 billion for property tax relief, marking an $11 billion increase from previous figures, retains the $100,000 homestead exemption, and further compresses school district tax rates. Additionally, over $9 billion in new funding is allocated for public education, setting K-12 funding above $100 billion in Texas for the first time. Funding is also reserved for education savings accounts, school safety improvements, and teacher insurance relief.
Moreover, allocations include $6.5 billion for law enforcement and border security, $30 billion for highway construction and maintenance, and $2.5 billion for repairing aging water infrastructure.
“This budget positions Texas for long-term success while keeping our fiscal house in order,” Landgraf asserted. “It reflects my goal to keep Texas the best state in America in which to live, work and raise a family, and I’m proud to support it on behalf of the people of the Permian Basin.”
With both the House and Senate having passed their respective versions of the budget, a collaborative effort between lawmakers from both chambers will now take place to resolve differences and finalize a unified spending plan before the session concludes.
Landgraf remains committed to ensuring that West Texas receives its fair portion of state funding through the budgeting process.
