State Senate Considers Transportation Funding

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas Senate is scheduled to approve increased funding for roads and bridges -- if they can reach a deal with the House.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst called for the Senate to meet Friday afternoon after appointing a conference committee to hammer out differences between the chambers on a proposed constitutional amendment. Voters would need to approve the amendment to divert money away from the state's Rainy Day Fund.

Both the Senate and the House want to boost transportation funding by at least $800 million. But they disagree on how to do it and whether to mandate a minimum Rainy Day Fund balance.

House and Senate negotiators met Thursday night, and Dewhurst hoped a deal could be reached by Friday afternoon. The House is scheduled to meet again Monday.

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