Session In-Depth: Annual budgeting

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas should scuttle its long tradition of adopting a two-year budget and lawmakers instead should meeting annually to develop the state's spending plan, a Democratic lawmaker says.

"It's clear that the people believe it's the right thing to do," said state Rep. Richard Pena Raymond said on Sunday's edition of KXAN's "In Session, In-Depth. "It makes sense."

Raymond, who represents Laredo, few -- if any -- large businesses and other government entities follow Texas example by crafting two-year spending plans. The reason, he said, is because the economy is constantly changing and large organizations need the flexibility to adapt.

He also rejected the argument that annual budgeting would lead to annual legislative sessions. Under Raymond's plan, which would require changing the state Constitution, sessions in even-numbered years would last only 60 days and be limited to adopting a budget.

The sole focus, he said, would be on meeting the state's spending needs.

"You make more informed decisions, and you make better decisions," Raymond said.

See the full interview and a recap of last week's action in the Capitol by watching the three videos in the box above this report.