Andrew Kerr

Early Legislative Snapshot

As this legislative session gears up in Austin and most of the focus so far has been on the budget and Voter ID, the stuff that fuels our once every two year flurry continues to stockpile… bills. While some look pretty good, others are down right ugly.

Protecting Taxpayers

State Representative Tim Kleinschmidt has joined the ranks of other state officials pledging to oppose tax increases. This especially important as lawmakers start to work on a tight budget amid calls for new revenues.

Balanced Budget Without New Taxes

Today the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute proposed their roadmap for how lawmakers might go about balancing the state budget without raising taxes, keeping us competitive and helping ensure economic growth in the future.

Campaign Promises Matter

There’s a saying, “to make policy, you have to win politically” – and that is what conservatives did with distinction on November 2nd of last year. What’s yet to be seen is if the platform of limited government, less spending, and no new taxes championed by so many of the electoral victors will indeed be fully acted on legislatively.

Sunsetting the Sunset Commission?

During a legislative session where creating more efficiency in government is essential, some legislators are examining ways to streamline the Sunset process so that it can live up to its purpose.

Budget Presents Opportunity to Conservatives

Much of the buzz surrounding the 82nd Legislative Session seems to be fueled by angst over writing the next state budget and how legislators will make ends meet in the face of expected budgetary “shortfall.” Conservative legislators and Texans, however, should be excited by the opportunity this process represents.

Principled Stand

When Joe Straus was re-elected by the House of Representatives to serve again as the state’s 3rd highest ranking constitutional officer, 17 members stood on principle, keeping their word to constituents, and did not vote for Mr. Straus.

Wentworth’s Land Grab

Legislation being offered by Republican State Sen. Jeff Wentworth would create a massive land-grab for schools, forcing developers to sell property at or below market value.

Again Lefties Lead with Tax-Hikes

It seems time after time, the left’s go-to solution for budgetary issues is to “increase revenue streams” (ahem) raise taxes. More curious is that these “solutions” keep coming from the leadership team assembled by House Speaker Joe Straus.