AUSTIN — The Texas budget is on its way to the governor's desk. Windstorm insurance reform survived another day. Expanded health care coverage for low-income children still is in a death dive.

And lawmakers Friday also were grousing over transportation legislation that includes a local option gas tax and restrictions on the use of red-light cameras at intersections.

With just three days left in the 81st Texas Legislature, the only thing certain was the state's $182.3 billion budget, which, among other things, would increase spending for the mentally disabled, correctional officer salaries, college financial aid and pre-kindergarten programs.

Most of the money, which includes $12.1 billion in federal economic stimulus dollars, is dedicated to education and health care.

Gov. Rick Perry, who has line-item veto power on the budget, has until mid-June to review the 900-plus page document.

The House kept the debate on windstorm insurance reform alive by agreeing to seek a compromise on the bill in a joint conference committee.

Perry has told lawmakers he'll call a special session if the windstorm insurance reform doesn't pass.

At issue is how to keep solvent the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, which provides insurance for homeowners who can't find private coverage — without pushing up insurance rates.

Hurricanes Ike and Dolly busted TWIA with an unexpected $2 billion in payouts.

Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, said lawmakers hope to reach a settlement so as “not to have a special session.”

Also Friday, Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, said he still was trying to revive the Children's Health Insurance Program. An effort earlier this week to piggyback CHIP on a bill for newborn disease screening didn't comply with House rules that subjects be “germane.”

Although a coalition representing 70 groups called on legislative leaders to “take all necessary means” to pass the bill, the prospect is dim.

Disputes also were holding up a bill to renew the life of the Texas Department of Transportation for another two years. Portions of the bill call for a local option gas tax, widely supported by movers and shakers from North Texas and San Antonio.

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