Gains in Texas Budget a Source of Hot Debate
A coalition of Republican leaders and conservative groups agrees that the Texas Constitution could use a tighter cap on state spending.
Where they disagree is why such an amendment is needed in the first place.
Officials including Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst say they want to amend the Constitution to limit spending growth to the combined rate of population and inflation to keep Texas running conservatively, as they say it has been for years. Currently, the Constitution restricts spending to the typically higher rate of growth in state personal income.
“We need to make constitutionally sure the ...
Comments (6)
Kenneth Franks
No, to the in perpetuity. This bunch is on the way out in the next few years and we can't let them set what we do forever. This is simply a lasting power grab to be inserted in the Texas Constitution. No one knows what the future holds holds for Texas and we don't to be restrained by the ideas of the past.
Lee Dunkelberg via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What we need is a constitutional cap on stupid constitutional amendments . . .
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Hell NO. We need a cap on the GOP nut cases.
Richard S. Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook
No not on "spending" in general. Pay attention to General Revenue spending - other spending should not be constrained. Much of it is Federal research and healthcare funding.
hans5162@ix.netcom.com hans
Next to a pledge never to raise taxes for any purpose, this is the stupidest idea ever. Why have a legislature if they've already committed never to actually govern prior to taking office.
Jim Baxa
We need to eliminate medicaid and the federal strings that come with it. This would cut the spending drastically, and allow us to be free again.