AUSTIN, Texas -- After Texas budget writers learned they were getting an extra $3 billion to play with next session, many said they were moving forward with cautious optimism.

As we reported last week, the State Comptroller raised his revenue estimate by $2.8 billion. He credited rising oil prices and economic growth for the increase.

Lawmakers are eager to use that money to plug some huge holes. Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said she’s hopeful it will go a long way to pay for other big budget items, too.

“The fact is, we really do have a rebounding economy that’s doing very well,” Howard said. “We can take care of our unpaid, underfunded bills that are due and the economic stabilization fund is going to have more than ever before in it.”

Howard said lawmakers should have sufficient money to take care of Hurricane Harvey-related expenses, to look at what the bipartisan school finance commission is recommending and she’s encouraging lawmakers to use this session to overhaul the way Texas socks away money for tough economic times.

Click the video link above to watch the full interview with Howard.