On last night’s statewide conference call, Gov. Rick Perry made one thing explicitly clear: he will not support raising taxes nor using any of the Rainy Day Fund to pay for the Women’s Health Program. His bold call for fiscal responsibility stands in stark contrast to Speaker Joe Straus’ push for more revenue.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry
Gov. Perry was asked specifically what his plans were to provide funding for the Women’s Health Program after the Obama Administration cut off federal funds in support of Planned Parenthood:
“There’s absolutely no reason to go into the Rainy Day Fund. There’s no reason to raise taxes. What we’ll do is we’ll go back into the programs that are at Health & Human Services. We’ll make prioritizations about what is important… we’ll find savings in the programs that are there.”
Taxpayers can rest assured that Governor Perry is now on record opposing any tax increase or drawdown of the Rainy Day Fund to continue funding the WHP. Perry understands there are efficiencies still to gain in our state government, especially in the Health and Human Services.
Texas taxpayers share that bold conservative stance. 76% of voters reported they are more likely to vote for a legislator who cuts spending, while 74% said they are less likely to vote for a legislator that raises taxes.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen just the opposite from Speaker Joe Straus. He’s indicated he thinks we need more revenue because “you can’t cut your way to prosperity.” That’s a position more in line with President Obama.
Perry is on board with taxpayers. Straus appears to be on board only with the big-spenders. As the 83rd Legislative Session approaches, it’s important we continue to support conservative leaders like Gov. Perry in order to keep our spending low, our government limited, and our state prosperous.
Miss last night’s conference call? Click here to listen to the full recording.
