The top local stories this morning from KERA News:
The two chambers of the State Legislature have until the end of May to work out a compromise budget. The Texas House passed its version of the two-year state budget last night after 15 hours of debate.
Some of the top priorities among state leaders didn’t get funded, like the Texas Enterprise Fund, which Gov. Greg Abbott supports. The program uses incentives to lure companies to the state. Representatives also voted against private school vouchers, which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick favored, and Attorney General Ken Paxton lost $20 million in his budget for lawsuits.
Instead, funding was boosted for foster care and Child Protective Services. The budget also taps into the state’s Rainy Day fund, and shifts $10 million from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to anti-abortion programs.
Other stories this morning:
- In our Friday Conversation, Alia Salem talks about what life is like as a Muslim activist.
- The Dallas Art Fair opens today at the Dallas Museum of Art. More than 90 galleries from around the world will gather in the Fashion Industry Gallery to sell works from legendary artists and up-and-comers.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.