Gutierrez Seeks $17 Billion in Rainy Day Funds to Fund Hinojosa's $1,500 Texas Checks
The proposal draws from the state's emergency fund to send one-time payments to eligible residents.
By Amit Chukwu ·
State Sen. Roland Gutierrez filed a bill on Monday to send $1,500 checks to Texas households.
The measure, designated as Senate Bill 297, aims to fulfill a campaign promise made by Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa. It was one of more than 1,000 bills filed for the upcoming legislative session.
The proposal costs the state $17 billion. This amount would be withdrawn from the state's rainy day fund, an emergency reserve that currently holds approximately $27 billion. Any withdrawal from this fund requires legislative approval.
Gutierrez argues that Texas is facing an affordability emergency. He cites rising costs for food, electricity, and other necessities as evidence of a public calamity. Under state law, lawmakers can provide direct payments to individuals during such events. Hinojosa made similar arguments during her campaign, presenting the checks as a core part of her economic policy.
The Texas Comptroller would manage the distribution process. Basic eligibility requires an individual to be at least 18 years old and to have lived in Texas as of Jan. 1, 2027. The comptroller could use existing state records to identify qualified households. Residents would also have the option to apply online or by mail and submit documents to prove their status. The bill directs the comptroller to create rules for persons experiencing homelessness.
The timeline aims for most households to receive funds by the end of 2027. Applications would remain open until the end of 2028.
Democrats now control the Texas House of Representatives following the midterm elections. The bill still needs support in the Republican-dominated Senate to advance. Critics have raised concerns that the payments could drive up inflation. Others worry about depleting the state's emergency financial reserve.
