BRANDON CREIGHTON

Texas State Senator

District 4
CONTACT: Eliza Vielma
Eliza.Vielma@senate.state.tx.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Government Agency Savings Incentive Program Clears Texas Senate

AUSTIN -- Today, Senator Brandon Creighton's state agency savings incentive program legislation
passed in the Texas Senate by a vote of 31-0. Filed as Senate Bill 677, this legislation creatively
incentivizes state agencies to implement savings measures rather than spend all funds allocated to them.
"Under current law, when a state agency saves money under their particular budget for the fiscal year, the
agency is only able to retain one-fourth of the savings," said Senator Creighton. "Additionally, there is a
stringent one-percent cap on what can be retained. As a result, the provision has never been used. This is
not enough of an incentive to encourage the savings our state needs."
"This legislation is a positive step forward for rewarding those in our state agencies for being responsible
stewards of our taxpayer dollars," continued Senator Creighton. "I will continue to work with my
colleagues in the House until this bill makes it to the Governor's desk. It is our obligation to return those
hard-earned dollars to the taxpayers of Texas rather than promote a "use it or lose it" policy for the use of
government funds."
S.B. 677 also sets up a tiered bonus structure for agency employees after the agency pays off its general
obligations bonds.
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SENATOR BRANDON CREIGHTON represents District 4, which encompasses Chambers, Jefferson and
parts of Montgomery, Harris, and Galveston Counties. He currently serves on the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the Senate Committee
on State Affairs, and as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce.