Passing the Texas Budget Compact: An Open Letter to Governor Rick Perry

Dear Mr. Governor,

Cahnman's Musings was an early supporter of the Texas Budget Compact.  The Texas Budget Compact remains our top priority for the 83rd Texas Legislature.  In that spirit, Mr. Governor, we ask you to designate the Texas Budget Compact emergency legislation.

Passing the Texas Budget Compact is the most important action the 83rd Texas Legislature can take to protect and strengthen Texas' economy for the next generation.  As the Federal Reserve bank of St. Louis has documented, government spending crowds out productive economic activity.  The Texas Budget Compact will protect Texas' entrepreneurs from a voracious public sector.

While the Texas Budget Compact is undeniably good policy, legislative hurdles remain.  The good news is that the Texas Senate leaves us cautiously optimistic.  The Texas House, unfortunately, is a different story.

Declaring the Texas Budget Compact emergency legislation will cut through legislative shenanigans.  Only emergency legislation, designated by the Governor, may be considered during the first sixty days of a legislative session.  Why waste time?!?

Texas state government must live within its means.  Prudent stewardship of the people's money is the primary responsibility of any elected official.  While Texas' financial situation is better than other states, the budget process still leaves much to be desired.  Instead of an ad hoc approach every two years, the time has come to cement permanently the gains of the past decade.  Step one is to designate the Texas Budget Compact emergency legislation.

Sincerely,
Adam Cahn
Austin, TX
January, 17 2013.

Contact Governor Rick Perry:
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