Both the House and Senate did not meet until Wednesday. It is customary for the Legislature to adjourn for the Presidential Inauguration so that members and statewide elected officials can attend the events in Washington DC. Newly elected President Pro Tempore, Senator Brandon Creighton stepped in as Governor while the Governor and Lt. Governor spent time in DC.  

Before everyone left Austin on Friday, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released the Senate Committee assignments for the 89th Legislative Session. Senate Finance will begin meeting on Monday, January 27. To follow along live virtually for this and any other Senate Committee you can head over to the News and Media tab on the Senate website. 

On Wednesday, the Senate filed SB 1 (Huffman) and the House filed HB 1 (Bonnen). The Lt. Governor and the Speaker issue press releases about their budget recommendations. Lt. Governor Patrick's press release lays out the highlights of their version and Speaker Burrows lays out his in this statement on X. 

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has all the materials you would ever want to read about in the General Appropriations Act. They have bill summaries for SB 1 and HB 1 prepared for your reading pleasure. The LBB is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the appropriations process. It is a little-known fact that the General Appropriations Act (GAA) alternates between a House Bill and a Senate bill every session. This year the GAA will be HB 1. 

Check out Texas Legislature Online to find who represents you, track bills, and monitor committees.