Texas Senate passes $308 billion budget plan, kicking off high-stakes negotiations with the House

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over the Senate at the Capitol in Austin on April 6, 2023. (Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune)

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The Texas Senate on Monday gave final approval to a $308 billion spending plan for the next two years, sending budget leaders into high-stakes negotiations with their counterparts in the House over property taxes and other divisive issues — with just weeks to go before the legislative session ends.