AUSTIN, Texas -- It's the only bill state lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass each session. The debate over Texas’ next budget will officially begin Jan. 8, when lawmakers convene for the 86^th Legislative session.

Last time around, the governor signed off on a $217 billion budget. But lawmakers left gaps and will have to pass a supplemental budget when they return to plug those holes and to address additional costs from Hurricane Harvey.

The Texas Comptroller, whose job it is to tell lawmakers how much money they can spend, has been cautiously optimistic about the budget outlook.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers have voiced support for ambitious goals of fixing the public school finance system, lowering property taxes and increasing school safety.

Click the video link above to watch Capital Tonight’s look at the state of the budget, including what Comptroller Glenn Hegar and budget-writers Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, have to say when it comes to paying for the priorities.