Kolkhorst named to elite legislative budget board

Special to The Examiner

AUSTIN – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has appointed Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R- Brenham) to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Senator Kolkhorst replaces retiring Senator Jane Nelson on the powerful board which is comprised of the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House, as well as four lawmakers from the Senate and House.

The primary purpose of the LBB is to oversee a continuous review of state spending. The Board also manages the proposed legislative appropriations for all agencies of state government. The organization is a permanent joint committee of the Texas Legislature that crafts budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations, completes fiscal analyses for all proposed legislation, and conducts periodic reviews that seek efficiency in state financial performance.

"The Legislative Budget Board is of statewide importance because it offers a continuous review of all state spending. That's why I am truly humbled by Lt. Gov. Patrick's appointment," Senator Kolkhorst said. "The serious work of this Board ensures the fair and prudent use of our tax dollars. It will be an honor to serve the people of Texas in this capacity."

A veteran of the state budget process, Senator Kolkhorst has served on the Senate Finance Committee since her first session in the Texas Senate in 2015 and for every subsequent budget. She is the only legislator to have ever served on the budget conference committee multiple times in both the House and Senate chambers.

Kolkhorst said the appointment by the Lieutenant Governor will enable her to continue serving as a steward of taxpayer dollars during both session and the interim.

In recent years, the Legislative Budget Board has approved investments in border security and school safety during times when the Texas Legislature is not in session. The composition of the Legislative Budget Board is specified by statute and is co-chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House.

Senator Kolkhorst begins her appointment immediately.