Spending vs. Taxation: Does the Conservative Texas Budget meet the needs of Texans

"There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it."
Proverbs 21:20

TPPF Policy Orientation: The 84th Texas Legislature passed a "reasonably not crappy" budget in 2015; how is Texas doing and what can we do better in the future?!?

Bob Williams, American Legislative Exchange Council:

• Texas moved from 13 to 11 among states for budget transparency last session.

• Don't give more money to K-12 or Higher Ed.

• "Outcome performance measures."

• 72 hour timeout before the #TXLEGE votes on the budget.

Rep. Donna Howard (D - Austin):

• Multiply population and inflation instead of adding them.
• This is a common refrain for Big Spenders.

• Current spending limits "are working pretty well."

• #TXLEGE only has discretion over 20% of budget.

• "We have already cut public ed."
• 31% of school districts receiving less than 2011.

• "Border Security" spending is an unmeasurable mess.
• In many ways, we agree with this assessment

• Don't be "conservative" or "liberal" be "responsible."

• Need widely agreed upon metrics.

• Local property taxes have to "pick up the slack" from the state.
• The only way to cut property taxes is to have the state spend more.
• Author's Note: The notion that local governments can't reduce spending is silly.

• Austin ISD sends $273 million to the state for Robin Hood.

Rep. Greg Bonnen (R - Houston):

• The reason Texas is ably to produce reasonably not crappy budgets is because of limitations on spending in the state constitution.

• The difference between 4% and 7% spending growth over the course of 20 years is $160 BILLION.

• TRB's were the "most requested item" from the Higher Ed. community.

• Medicaid has passed education as the largest component of the budget.

• Not going on a spending spree last session is helping the state deal with lower oil prices and the slowing economy.

• Job growth in Texas has slowed compared to a year ago.

• Sales tax collections are down.

• Medicaid case growth is expected to continue.

• Teacher retirement system is going to need more $$ moving forward.