The Texas State Capitol photographed on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Gov. Greg Abbott, right, talk during a swearing in ceremony on the first day of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides in the Senate on the first day of the first special session at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have passed competing budgets for the next two years. Now begins the real fight behind closed doors.

The total amount of spending in both drafts is similar, about $337 billion. Most of that taxpayer money is already dedicated by law. Lawmakers have discretion over about $155 billion.

The state has another $40 billion lawmakers could spend, but only if a supermajority suspends the constitutional limit on budget growth, which Republicans are loathe to do. Nineteen House Republicans voted against the budget as it stands, complaining it spends too much.

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Because the House and Senate versions differ, a conference committee will meet to strike a compromise. Carefully selected representatives and senators will meet privately for the next six weeks and decide the fates of countless schools, hospitals, businesses and lives in 2026 and 2027.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and........

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