Volume XXXI, Number 2
February 2016

Hegar Attempts to Ease State Budget Fears

Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar assured members of the Senate Finance Committee last month that the state can avoid a budget shortfall next session despite falling oil prices.

Oil prices have dropped from over $115 a barrel 18 months ago to less than $30 in early 2016 (see graph below). While predictions vary, few experts project rates to return to those highs in the near future.

oilpricegraphOil prices plunge since June, 2014

But Hegar told the committee he believes that the state economy remains strong enough to prevent lawmakers from facing a budget crisis when the next Legislature convenes in 2017.

“Do we face some headwinds with the international markets … and with oil prices? Yes,” he said. “But if you also look at the long term trends, we have a lot of tailwinds behind us as well.”

Committee members remained skeptical; pointing out that the state has recently lost 66,000 jobs in manufacturing and oil and gas drilling.

Hegar is responsible for providing the Legislature with estimates of how much they can spend when they write the state’s budget. He will not have to provide a new projection until next January.

“COMMITMENT TO CARE” – THCA 2016 Spring Conference & Resource Fair

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 Legislative Update

  • Hegar Attempts to Ease State Budget Fears

Notice: Before you e-mail your legislator, make sure you have the latest address.  As of February 1, House and Senate e-mail addresses have been updated from @house.state.tx.us and @senate.state.tx.us to @house.texas.gov and @senate.texas.gov


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 Commitment to Care

If you have any questions about the THCA Commitment to Care Initiative or would like to share your facilities successes please contact Gloria Bean-Williams by email or call (512) 458-1257.

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State / THCA News

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Announcements & Recognition


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THCAPAC


?’s About THCAPAC…Contact Us

Ron Payne,
THCAPAC Co-Chair

Mark McKenzie,
THCAPAC Co-Chair

Gina Muniz,
THCAPAC Liaison

Scot Kibbe,
THCAPAC Liaison

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Business Member / Vendor / Exhibitor News

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Region News

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