The proposed budget does not call for major tax cuts or increases. In 1999, the surplus was about double what lawmakers have this year.
People have new programs and new ideas.
He did not offer specifics. The budget proposed by Ellis and Junell covers the 2002-2003 fiscal years and would take effect Sept. 1. The state's revenue primarily comes from tax collections and things such as fees for state services, lottery and interest. Officials anticipate enrollment increases and higher payments to physicians and nursing homes that care for Medicaid patients. For example, top lawmakers are focusing on simplifying a complicated Medicaid enrollment process that discourages needy people from applying, said Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, vice chairman of the public health committee and a member of the appropriations committee.