Forget those feel-good vibes at the Capitol. Unless a deal on a new Texas budget is struck in the next two weeks, a summer bummer is coming.
Gov. Rick Perry wants $1.8 billion in tax cuts and $2 billion for a new water fund. So does most of the Legislature, which is also close to making peace with furious teachers, and restoring most of the massive classroom spending cuts in 2011.
But in a 140-day session defined by surprising bipartisan harmony, gridlock is souring the mood.
The House and Senate are at a budget stalemate. The Legislature adjourns May 27, and GOP negotiators from both chambers remain at an impasse over how best to pay for priorities while squeezing in tax cuts.
Leaders say there's time, but it's running out.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.