Graphic by Ben Hasson

We’ve heard a lot of talk lately about the Rainy Day Fund: Should legislators tap it to cover this year’s $4.3 billion deficit — and should they resort to it again to help close a massive shortfall in the next biennium’s budget? As state House and Senate lawmakers undergo the contentious process of drafting their 2012-13 budgets, the Tribune has created an infographic to help Texans understand the intent of the Rainy Day Fund, what it takes to withdraw from that savings account, and the political arguments for and against using it. Some say it should be drained, if necessary. Others have come up with a list of reasons for preserving it. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us. 

Download a print resolution version of the infographic.

Link to our sources. 

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Thanh Tan was a multimedia reporter/producer for the Tribune from 2011 to 2012. She previously worked at Idaho Public Television, a PBS station that serves a statewide audience. While there, she was an...

Ben Hasson was an art director at The Texas Tribune. He previously worked at RMM Online Advertising and interned at the media company Super!Alright! He has also worked as a freelance designer for print...