Capital Highlights
Ed Sterling
A USTIN - Thanks to a growing economy, higher oil and gas prices and an increase in

tax collections, state budget

estimators say Texas could have about $15 billion more revenue than expected before the Legislature convenes in January.

But money needed for public education and other commitments would eat up much of it.

The budget estimates come from the Legislative Budget Board, headed by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick.

In related news, the University of Texas' Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Inc., a consulting firm, co-hosted a state budget conference in preparation for the 80th regular session of the Texas Legislature.

Among top speakers were the Legislature's chief budgeteers, Sen. Steve Ogden, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Rep. Jim Pitts, chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

It will be Ogden and Pitts' job to lead the effort to replace $7 billion in revenue lost when the Legislature lowered school property tax rates for maintenance and operations from $1.50 to $1.

The new business activity tax, passed in the 3rd special session of the 79th Legislature, won't take effect until 2008.

Ogden, R-Bryan, and Pitts, RWaxahachie, agreed the state's financial condition is good. But both signaled spending demands related to rapid population growth may neutralize the projected record budget surplus of more than $10 billion in 2007-2008, the next two-year budget cycle.

Simplified, the reason the surplus may not last for long on paper or in the real world is that more people translates to more government services.

Defibrillator funding to be sought

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said he plans to seek funding in the coming legislative session for automated external defibrillators in all Texas public schools.

"I want to spare parents, teachers and teammates the horror of watching helplessly as someone's son or daughter fights for their life," he said.

According to Dewhurst's office, only five other states have laws specifically regarding the placement of "AEDs" in public schools, school districts or athletic events.

The estimated average cost of a portable AED is approximately $2,000.

Awareness of the need for such devices was raised recently, when an Austin-area high school football player's heart stopped during a game. The skilled use of an AED was credited with saving the player's life.

Older Texans urged to plan now

If you are 45 to 65 years old, Uncle Sam wants you ... to get on the stick and prepare for your own retirement and long-term care.

A planning kit is available free of charge on the Web at www.aoa.gov/ownyourfuture.

If you'd rather talk to a human being about this, you may call 866-752-6582.

The kit includes information on subjects such as long-term care insurance, personal

finance, home maintenance, legal issues and more, plus an easy-to-follow worksheet to aid in planning.

In promoting the kit, Gov. Perry said many people mistakenly believe that Medicare will meet all their long-term needs.

Drug plan enrollment to begin

The Texas Department of Insurance announced the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage program, begins Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31.

The voluntary program helps people who have high prescription drug costs and no drug coverage.

Coverage for persons enrolling during the enrollment period will begin on Jan. 1.

Also, Medicare has released a list of approved plans for 2007. To review and compare plans, the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder is available online at www.medicare.gov.

Additional plans are expected to be added to the list prior to the beginning of the enrollment period.

Ed Sterling is director of member services for the Texas Press Association in Austin.