NEWS
Gone to Texas
Having enough of Illinois’ corrupt fiscal and political mess, a former Illinois state senator says he’s “tired of subsidizing crooks” and had declared he and his family are moving to Texas.
Public-Interest in groundwater will trump private ownership
Legislative Preview, 82nd Session
Friday, March 11, was the last time for members to file bills for the 82nd Legislative Session in Texas. During the last three legislative sessions, bills filed have ballooned from 5,400 to 7,400. However, in this session, the number of bills filed leveled back to approximately 5,600. What exactly does this mean?
Drinking From The RDF
Following a deal announced Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee voted unanimously to draw $3.2 billion from Texas’ Economic Stabilization Fund. As we’ve consistently said about the fund: it’s there to be used, but only as a last resort after all possible cuts have been made.
AUDIO: Teleforum With Gov. Perry
Listen to the March 10 statewide conference call with Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The call focused primarily on fiscal issues, with an emphasis on the state budget, taxes and rainy day fund.
Senator Hinojosa’s Chump-Change
So $105 million is just chump-change, huh? According to Sen. Hinojosa (D-McAllen), it is. In tough budget times, it appears the senator is more concerned about preserving non-essential government programs than he is about making necessary cuts and protecting teachers.
Sanctuary Cities bill: Truth Please.
A Brownsville Herald story described the so-called Sanctuary Cities bill as “similar to Arizona’s strict anti-illegal immigration law.” It is not.
Cutting Administrative Costs Could Improve Texas Education
Too often people complain about the quality of education in Texas, but rarely do they look at ways in which we can restructure and improve our educational system. A step in the right direction would be to return our focus to educating students which means more emphasis on teachers and cutting administrative costs. Aside from refocusing employment policies, I believe Texas school districts could undergo a fundamental restructuring, saving taxpayers more money and focusing more attention on the education of students.
Sales tax doesn’t need Harper-Brown’s changes
I’m a happy customer of Amazon.com and I don’t like having to pay sales taxes on purchases made anywhere. But the idea, put forth state rep. Linda Harper-Brown, that Texas sales tax law should be changed to benefit them is ridiculous.
Educrats Drive Waste
Do you have a “sick-leave buy back” program at your workplace? Do you have a “luxury edition” company car? – Probably not… However, taxpayer dollars are being used for both in Texas school districts.
Consolidating Juvenile Justice
Merging two agencies could save taxpayers millions while also improving rehabilitation rates for juvenile offenders. State Rep. Jerry Madden (R-Plano) is proposing legislation that would merge the Texas Youth Commission and Texas Juvenile Probation Commission; it’s a move the Texas Public Policy Foundation reports could result in $150 million in savings.
Health Care Compact Brings Power To State
Legislation filed in both chambers of the Texas Legislature would move authority, responsibility, and control over funding for the health care system to the states through a new interstate compact.