AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The first draft of the next Texas budget
would cut about $13.7 billion in state spending.

The draft, sent to lawmakers and leaders late Tuesday, makes up
for a revenue shortfall of at least $15 billion by making cuts to
almost every state agency.
 

House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts says he will explain the
proposal to members of the chamber on Wednesday.

The baseline budget does not use any tax increases or money from the state's
Rainy Day Fund.
 

Pitts had said every area would see cuts, from education to
health care for the poor and disabled.
 

Some analysts say the true shortfall could be closer to $27
billion to account for enrollment growth in public schools and on
Medicaid rolls.