Biennial Revenue Estimate

A projected ending balance of $32.7 billion will be carried forward from 2022-23, giving lawmakers a spending cushion as they make appropriations for state programs and services through the next two-year budget period. A portion of the ending balance is unencumbered, meaning not restricted or committed for future liabilities, such as payroll for work already performed, vendor payments, grants payable or future construction expenditures under an existing contract. Without legislative action, half of the unencumbered balance — $5.7 billion — is required by the Texas Constitution to be transferred to the ESF. A two-thirds legislative vote would be required to spend this money, and this amount is excluded from the $32.7 billion available for general-purpose spending.