Texas agencies ask Legislature for billions of dollars in new money in 2026-27 budget

State agencies and institutes of higher education are asking Texas lawmakers for $24.6 billion in new money over the next two years .

The requests lean heavily toward pay raises and new hires for state agencies dealing with high turnover and low pay.

More than half of that nearly $25 billion in requests for 2026-27 came from a dozen of the largest agencies.

The state is brimming with more than $20 billion in unspent tax money.

Requests for new money that are not directly related to staffing cover a broad range of needs.

State prison system wants $65.8 million to hang on to expiring private contracts that provide medical and mental health treatment to 1,000 inmates.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s $230 million request includes money to buy more conservation easements.

The Juvenile Justice Department is looking for $ 960,000 to “constantly enhance” the agency’s security profile.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is requesting about $18 million to upgrade cybersecurity systems.

The Department of Information Resources is seeking $60 million in new money, part of which would add 49 full-time employees.