NEWS
Just When You Thought Gas Prices Couldn’t Be Higher…
…Along comes State Sen. John "Let Them Be Taxed" Carona. The senator from Dallas is, seriously, going to introduce legislation next Session to raise the state’s gasoline tax by 10 cents per gallon. This would take even more of your money and shovel it to the state’s fiscally-inept, policy-wayward transportation agency.
Polland For Senate? Hope So!
Last week’s announcement that State Sen. Kyle Janek of Houston isn’t seeking re-election has opened the gates of candidates rumored, potential and real. One name that’s surfaced is Gary Polland, a long-time conservative activist who lets his professional life (he’s a lawyer) fund his passion for right-thinking politics.
TxDOT ‘Screwed Up’ 1.1 Billion Times
In what may go down as the most incredibly stupid error in state history, transportation officials told lawmakers this week that they counted $1.1 billion in revenue twice — leading them to over-commit to road projects. State Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan summed the situation well: “This is screwed up.”
Please Call Again
According to KSAT, a San Antonio television station, more than 1,000 calls were made to the Bexar County courthouse by folks asking where to vote on this Super Tuesday. Of course, Texas’ primary isn’t held until March 4 — a month away.
Expensive Nothing
Texas taxpayers are paying some $10,000 per acre for… nothing. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission is squandering your cash to spend $400,000 to create 40 acres of "open space" in Guadalupe County, highlighted by a 1.5-mile trail with educational signs. Have they no sense of decency? Apparently not — but why should they, it’s just your money. This is just one of some $5.85 million in pork-purchases the commission made with your money recently.
Uncorking More Government Pork – Texas Department of Agriculture Sponsors Wine Tastings
The Ag Department is one of the two lead sponsors of two upcoming Texas wine tastings – one in Dallas and San Antonio. How many average Texas taxpayers will pay $40 for these sumptuous sippings?
The Grass is Always Greener…
On Wednesday the Houston City Council voted 9-5 in favor of an ordinance giving businesses the right to build electrified fences, which were previously forbidden.
Money For Nothing, Rings Not Free
Texas taxpayers are a generous lot. Just ask the good folks at Windstream Communications, who state bureaucrats say improperly received more than $6 million from Texans over the last seven years.
How Much More of the Erdners’ Family Budget Should Government Take?
Today’s Statesman profiles Todd and Michele Erdner’s extraordinary measures to control rising grocery bills for their 7 kids, who Michelle home schools. Is government helping?
So Long, Senator
One piece of bad political news this date: State Senator Kyle Janek is leaving public office. While rumored for some time, it’s a shame to see. Dr. Janek has been a good friend to the conservative movement, a reliable voice of reason in an unreasonable political body, and genuinely pleasant fellow to work around. He’ll be greatly missed, but he is leaving for all the right reasons. Good luck, Dr. Janek!
ISD: Lie, Cheat, Steal
North Forest Independent School District in the Houston area is nearly bankrupt, having lied about student enrollment numbers, mismanaged the taxpayers’ cash, and cheated untold numbers of children out of an academic future. The response from the teacher union rep: worried that people might lose their jobs. That they haven’t already is part of the problem.
San Antonio Voters to Weigh $415 Million Tax Increase
The Bexar County Commissioners Court voted earlier this month to present  San Antonio area voters with a $415 million venue tax increase measure on the May ballot. While it would fund lots of nice-sounding goodies, increased hotel and rental car taxes have been proven to reduce tourism.