Texas House passes $178.4 billion budget

Texas is one of the few states that, like Arkansas, has enjoyed a budget surplus during these difficult economic times. The Texas House passed their biennial budget of $178.4 billion, which includes $200 million for their portion of the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor, an expansion of electric-bill discounts for the poor, and a 25% increase of scholarships for college students from households making under $50,000. Unlike Arkansas, the Texas legislature is prohibited by the Constitution for meeting for more than 140 days in its regular session every other year. Here's more from the Dallas Morning News.