Medicaid was created by Congress in 1965 and came to Texas two years later, a program designed to provide health benefits to specific groups—initially, to recipients of certain cash assistance programs. Since then, eligibility has gradually expanded and caseload growth has made Medicaid the single largest program in the state budget. In 2001, Medicaid consumed 20% of the All Funds (AF) budget but now accounts for nearly 30% of the 2016-17 budget.
Election Integrity
Consolidating Elections to Increase Turnout and Save Taxpayer Dollars
Uniform election dates produce four main benefits: 1) higher voter turnout, 2) election administration cost savings, 3) decreased likelihood of special interests dominating a low-turnout election, and 4) reduced election worker burnout. Key points: Seven states require municipal elections to be consolidated with even-year federal election dates. This increases turnout and saves $29.5-129 million for...
March 20, 2026