Texting while driving is an issue that has been in the spotlight over the last half-year and increasingly state legislatures, including Texas’, are planing on doing what they do best: try and legislate the problem away. In this case that may not be necessary and in fact detrimental.
Daniel Greer
City of Austin Shifting Costs
In an effort to keep up with city improvements without growing Austin’s budget city manager Marc Ott is employing a new cost sharing technique. Ott is hoping to match willing residents, non-profit groups and businesses with the city to fund tasks like putting in speed humps and repainting bike lane stripes.
Conservative Health Care Solutions From TCC
Last night Barak Obama gave yet another speech outlining a broad health care reform package. Although he promised to give details and provide insights into his plan he did not.
To contrast such a lack of clear leadership one need look no further than the conservative leaders of our Texas legislature.
Denton’s Budgeted Lobby Habit
The city of Denton has unveiled its 2009-2010 budget, which while not raises taxes does cut back services while contuining to spend big on taxpayer-funded lobbyists.
Tax Cuts, Not Increases, In Tough Times
As the City of Dallas finalizes their budget, they should listen to their paper’s editorial board, or look to their neighbors. The Dallas Morning News is telling the city council “this is no time for a tax increase.” Meanwhile, Collin County, just north of Dallas, is dealing with the bad economy by offering a tax decrease.
Prudent in Good Times and Bad
With the city of San Antonio facing declines in revenue due to both faltering home valuations and lower sales tax collection city manager Sheryl Sculley is making key decisions to bring her budget into balance.
Can Gimmickery Be Sound Policy?
Was it financial gimmicks or sound thinking that helped the 81st Legislature balance the state’s budget in a strenuous economic climate? A little of the first, a dash of the second, with a generous helping of previously made correct decisions to control the size of state government. But changes need to be made to protect Texas’ designated funds from flowing into general revenue.
Laubenberg: Working For Taxpayers
When considering the top legislators working to protect taxpayers and promote conservative principles, every list inevitably includes Jodie Laubenberg of Parker. Since arriving in the Texas House in January 2003, she has consistently worked to advance free market principles.
Truitt’s Bad Option Still Dead
Falling on her sword, Vicki Truitt is calling it quits…for the time being. At the conclusion of the Legislative session three weeks ago State Rep. Vicki Truitt left Austin vowing to come back pushing for higher taxes in the form of increased gas taxes and vehicle fees.
Capping Texas’ Growth
Congress is set to vote on "Cap and Trade" legislation that many Texas officials are rightly speaking out against. It will cap Texas’ growth and trade away our prosperity.