Senator Ogden interview: Part one

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The most noteworthy event throughout last week under the dome was the Senate’s passage of $182 billion budget for the 2010 – 2011 Biennium. The chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Senator Steve Ogden from Bryan, stopped by the KXAN studio on Sunday morning to discuss the budget along with other topics.

Sen. Ogden brought along an actual copy of the budget passed last week which was several inches think. Although, he also brought along a summary of the budget which he advises the taxpayers to read instead, as it is a shortened version. The Senator continued by discussing specifics on the state budget, such as the breakdown of money and how he feels about it overall. Sen. Ogden explains that the $182 billion breaks down to $8,500 for every man, woman and child in the state of Texas.

Other details regarding the budget arose, like the effects that the federal stimulus money had on it. The budget this time around is significantly higher than the last time, which was $169 billion. The increase is predominantly due to the federal stimulus money, $10.5 billion.

An area of controversy surrounding the budget was whether or not the usage of the rainy day fund would occur. Sen. Ogden stands by the decision to save those funds as he explains that there is no guarantee that things won’t get worse for our economy before they get better.He elaborates on that decision by answering to the critics.

The Senator was prepared for all of the question Jenny posed, but be sure to check out the second part of the live interview titled Senator Ogden interview: Part two.

For a comprehensive look at the budget passed last week click here.