Remember those Republicans that voted against protecting the Rainy Day Fund a week ago? You can now add Reps. Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) and Vicki Truitt (R-Southlake) to the list.
Dustin Matocha
Some School Districts Look For Their Next “Fix”
After finding out the state will not be able to afford even more money in the name of “enrollment growth”, many school districts are now looking hard at the taxpayers for their next “fix” in the form of higher property tax rates.
Formula 1 Redlines Irresponsible Governing
It’s bad enough that $25 million of state taxpayer money could go towards funding a Formula 1 racetrack near Austin. Now, the City of Austin may end up spending an additional $4 million, or risk getting stuck with the new track but no race.
Why Are We Still Subsidizing The Film Industry?
Despite cutting spending, not raising taxes, and preserving the Rainy Day Fund, there were many areas of the state’s new budget that should have been improved – or eliminated – like film industry subsidies that fail to live up to their promises.
Round Rock ISD Rehires Teachers
After initially telling some 240 teachers and staff members they would lose their job, Round Rock ISD is now hiring some of them back.
Another Chance For Budget Transparency
Legislators have another chance to bring common sense reform to the budget writing process.
Corruption Plaguing Border Town Over Water Rights
It might not seem that newsworthy to the rest of the state, but an issue of taxation without representation is picking up lots of headlines in the Rio Grande Valley.
Senate Fails Higher Ed Transparency Test
Texans should be well aware of the ever-growing movement to bring more transparency to the state’s institutions of higher education with Governor Perry leading the charge. Unfortunately, the Texas Senate failed the test of upholding accountability for our public universities, which have been less than eager to open up the ledgers for public view.
Is the Austin ISD School Board Tone-Deaf?
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees recently approved an expenditure of $4 million from bonds to purchase land for a new performing arts center in central Austin. After they just fired hundreds of teachers, taxpayers should be wondering how they justify the commitment to hiring new auxiliary staff.
No Spending Limits
Conservatives of all stripes agree on the need to limit the unchecked growth of government, and a year that has lawmakers tightening the state’s belt anyway seems like a good time to champion such commonsense, pro-taxpayer legislation. Yet, House leaders are not.