The initially appropriated 2018-19 state budget of $217 billion is up 74% since the 2004-05 budget. However, the key measure of estimated compounded growth of population plus inflation is up only 63% in that period. Had the budget followed this key measure since the 2004-05 budget, Texans would be paying $15 billion less in taxes and achieving greater prosperity.
Fortunately, the 84th and 85th Texas legislatures passed budgets that increase by less than population growth plus inflation, but there is more work to do. One way to continue correcting past budget excesses is to cut ineffective budget items.