NEWS
Alternatives to Mental Institutions May Improve Outcomes and Save Taxpayers’ Money
The Los Angeles Times has an interesting piece this week about how California has transitioned from having 13,000 mentally disabled clients in its state institutions in 1969 to 500 today. Texas still has 5,000 residents in such institutions.
Liberals: Let The Kids Rot…
Radical liberals controlling the state’s “teacher†unions and their allies boldly stepped forward to slam the door shut on kids who are so failed by public education that the kid (predominantly poor and minority) drops out.
A $90 Million Tax Cut
With a stroke of the pen, Texas’ economy is getting a much-needed $90 million tax cut. Nearly 400,000 businesses around the state will find the tax cut frees up resources for job creation, capital investment and operating stability. The action by Gov. Rick Perry puts in action previous pledges to bring greater transparency in the state’s taxes and spending.
Taxpayer-Funded Skate Park and Gym in Austin and Tomball
On Tuesday, Austinites can attend a forum on the design of a new $1.25 million BMX/skate park that was approved by voters as part of a larger bond in 2006. Meanwhile, the town of Tomball is considering spending $4 to $12 million in taxpayer funds on a sports arena, which would have many features provided by private gyms like Liftetime Fitness at no cost to taxpayers.
DFW Could Be on Fast Track to Higher Taxes
A Dallas Morning News editorial today indicates that proposals for new taxes to fund rail expansion have gone beyond the 1 cent sales tax increase to include a bevy of additional options, such as significant increases in the fuel tax and vehicle registration fee, as well as a “new resident impact fee” that would add $100 to the vehicle registration fee for each new North Texas resident.
Ignoring Fred
I cannot believe I almost let this happy note pass by in the excitement of Randy Dunning making the run-off for the HD112 race. The people of the 112th told their outgoing rep, Fred Hill, that his input wasn’t needed.
Tyroch the Taxer
Temple’s taxpayers must be looking forward to a Tyroch-free city council, with attendant possibility of lower taxes. But the rest of us still have cause for worry. As a member of the city council, she raised taxes and grew spending repeatedly, and unnecessarily. Any guesses what she’ll do in the Legislature if she wins next month’s special election?
Pork Barrel Projects Still in Fashion
Today it was reported that Gwendolyn Hustvedt, a professor of “fashion merchandising” at Texas State, has received a $140,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study “locally produced, certified organic, environmentally friendly or “all natural” animal fibers.”
Over 90 Percent of Texas Republicans Back Tax & Spending Limits
Some 92 percent of Texas GOP primary voters cast their ballots in favor of Proposition 3, which says state and local governments should be required to limit annual budget increases to the sum of the population growth and inflation rate.
Button-Babble: ‘Best Solutions Not In My Mind’
If nothing else, the House District 112 run-off race may prove to be entertaining. Conservative leader Randy Dunning is facing moderate-to-liberal Angie Button. And, it seems, Angie is hard at work demonstrating why she isn’t qualified for the post.
Yep, Haggerty Was Sunk
Liberal Republican Pat Haggerty is now a former state representative — thanks to his horrible record. He beat himself by constantly subjecting his constituency to higher taxes, more spending, and a host of bad ideas. Haggerty’s election-night party at the Titanic Ball Room proved to prophetic; his ship is sunk.
Brown Overcomes Gent
Taxpayer champion Betty Brown defeated liberal trial lawyer Wade Gent this evening. She had been a top target of the liberals, but her grace and convictions gave her the edge. Her victory demonstrates that strong principles overcome liberal opportunists.