Texas would have to cut its budget for safety net programs that benefit low-income Texans to weather the pandemic's economic fallout.

Top state leaders said budget cuts were necessary for the preparation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The safety net programs are healthcare and food assistance programs, women's health programs, food banks, and the health insurance workforce.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen asked in May most state agencies and higher education institutions to cut their budgets by five percent.

This to offset revenue losses from the pandemic.

Leaders left out public school funding, contributions to state employee pensions, and prison security, according to Dallas News.

Other agencies exempted from the budget cut are the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Division of Emergency Management.

 Workforce Commission, Military Department, and Department of Public Safety are also exempted.

Most agencies said the proposals were not yet final. However, some cuts are already moving forward.

According to its director, one program that treats people in the homes did not receive state funding that was set to arrive on Sept. 1.

"We don't have the money, and I have to pay the bills," Dr. James Grotta, the director of the unit and stroke research at Memorial Hermann at the Texas Medical Center, was quoted in a report.

Some lawmakers and advocates are frustrated that the budget cuts are being discussed and negotiated behind closed doors.

Rep. Sarah Davis, a Republican who chairs a budget subcommittee in the Texas House, said that it is incredibly frustrating that a budget is being cut without considering the legislative's opinion.

"When Dennis Bonnen makes the statement that this is all completely transparent and normal, I don't know how it is," Davis was quoted in a report.

The proposed budget cut amounted to around $383 million in the fiscal year, which ended in August.

Another $673.5 million reductions is prepared for the fiscal year the started Sept. 1.

Republican leaders said that the cuts are needed as the state heads toward a multibillion-dollar budget deficit.

Bonnen said a public hearing would be done "to give Texans an opportunity to weigh in."

However, he did not further say when it would take place and whether it would be in person or virtual.

Patrick's office did not say the same sentiments.

"State agencies have the authority to manage the funding that is appropriated to them, including freezing hiring if they determine that is prudent," Patrick's senior adviser Sherry Sylvester was quoted.

Republican leaders did not answer the question of why certain agencies were spared.

Sylvester explained that all but about 13 percent of healthcare funding and nine percent of education funding was exempted from the budget cuts.

Sylvester said that the five percent total reduction amounts to $1.058 billion, which is 0.85 percent of the total budget.

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, the vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, wants to save some healthcare and safety net programs from proposed budget cuts.

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