AUSTIN—Today, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst joined Governor Rick Perry and Speaker Joe Straus in directing state agencies to submit budget requests for Fiscal Year 2014-15 with 10 percent reductions from current spending levels.

"Unlike Washington where spending increases are automatic, Texas has maintained a balanced budget by forcing government to look for savings first – ensuring taxpayers' hard-earned money is put to its highest and best use."

In a memorandum from the Legislative Budget Board and Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy, the leadership asked state agencies to detail how they would reduce their baseline request by an additional 10 percent (in 5 percent increments) in General Revenue Funds and General Revenue Dedicated Funds. The leadership also warned state agencies they may be asked to reduce their fiscal year 2013 budgets should state fiscal conditions warrant it.