Random Thoughts about Texas' School Finance MORASS

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,"
Ephesians 5:15

TPPF recently released a report and held a policy primer on the ongoing mess that is school finance.  We read the former and attended the latter.  We offer the following thoughts in no particular order except how they appear in our notes:

• Between local property taxes (47%), state spending (43%), and federal spending (11%) Texas spends a total of $61 BILLION per year on 'education.' (1, 21)

• There's a difference between 'equity' for school districts and 'equity' for individual students. (1)

• In coming years, the debt service for school districts is going to EXPLODE!!! (3)

• "Public free schools" means open to everyone, not that the government has to have government employees explicitly provide the service.
• "In other words, the Legislature is free to craft the means by which the public is educated, as long as its solution meets the requirements of the Texas Constitution." (6)

• Efficiency = Little waste (6).

• Current system was originally designed in 1949; as a matter of perspective, the first credit cards were introduced a decade later. (7)
• Obviously, the legislature and the courts have mucked around with that system since then.

• The "Permanent School Fund" is a $30 Billion entity split between the General Land Office and the State Board of Education; IT LOOKS LIKE A GIGANTIC BOONDOGGLE!!! (9)
• We have a GIGANTIC fund sitting there that's barely touched.
• Interestingly enough, it predates the civil war.

• "Permanent School Fund" is also used to guarantee school district debt. (9)
• What could POSSIBLY go wrong?!?
• Currently guaranteeing "2,869 school district bonds, which have an outstanding principal balance of $58.1 billion" that becomes $96 billion when you factor in interest.
• "In the event of default, the PSF pays the principal and interest of the overdue bond or loan." (10)

• How much bureaucracy is involved in this process?!?
• "The [Foundation School Fund] is an account within the General Revenue Fund that is used for funding public education.  As Figure 4 illustrates, the FSF serves as a pipeline connecting General Revenue and Dedicated Taxes to schools.  The amount of money deposited into the FSF is determined primarily by the legislative appropriations process and is appropriated to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which manages day-to-day administration of the fund.  The Legislature establishes funding formulas that determine how FSF money is divided among districts, and those formulas form the basis for estimating how much the Legislature should spend each biennium on education.  After estimated revenue from statutorily dedicated taxes is determined, the outstanding balance is filled from General Revenue." (13)

• "Property taxes collected by school districts contribute the largest share of revenue to Texas public education." (17)

• Everytime one of these reform efforts bubbles up, they always want to tinker with the funding formulas but they never try to decrease spending.

• There's something called the "cost of education index" that's supposed to remedy "geographic variation"; looks like another scam. (25)

• "Texas students are -- by law -- funded unequally." (28)

• Once again, how much bureaucracy?!?
• "Each school district must establish a committee for each special education student, the members of which are: the student and his parents and teachers; a school district representative; and a representative of the agency that will pay for the student services." (31)

• Speaking of bureaucracy:
• "Transportation is provided through four programs" (33)

• "Practically speaking, the [Guaranteed Yield Program] acts as an incentive to increase local property tax rates to maximize state funding." (40)

• "Total debt in 1992 was $9.8 billion; by 2014 it was $68.4 billion in real 1992 dollars" (41)

• Despite all this, we still "don't know how much it costs to educate a student." (49)

• "An efficient system would produce results with prices that limit waste and free parents to maximize their child's educational benefits." (52)

• "The current funding systemtn has been cobbled together over the years based solely on what works politically." (52)

• School district payrolls and debt service are both going up.

• A government monopoly is, by definition, inefficient.

• An 'equitable' system could save the state a billion dollars a year without any other underlying reforms.

• At today's policy primer, Dan Huberty said the school districts were right to sue the state.

• Again at today's primer, when Jeff Judson compared the current school finance system to giving government run grocery stores the money to run the food stamp program, Huberty got all butthurt and refused to answer what he called Judson's "loaded" question.

Straus, again, telegraphs lack of interest in PROPERTY TAX Reform....

"But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God."
Nehemiah 5:15

This picture merits some unpacking:

EARLY VOTER ALERT!!!Speaker Joe Straus is now campaigning with Texas House Speaker Pro-Tem Representative Dennis...
Posted by Jeff Judson for Texas House District 121 on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

So Dennis Bonnen is campaigning for Straus...which begs the next question: who is Dennis Bonnen?!?

Last session, Dennis Bonnen was the chairman of the Texas House's Ways and Means committee; that's the committee that handles major tax legislation:

As the chair of Ways and Means, Dennis Bonnen was Straus' designated hatchet man on property tax reform.  Bonnen ran point on the House's screwy sales tax plan that attempted to kill property tax relief.  When Dan Patrick stood his ground, last session's modest property tax relief was the result.

But where the story of Joe Straus, Dennis Bonnen, and Property Taxes gets really interesting concerns HB 365 (Elkins).  HB 365, captioned "Relating to the calculation of the ad valorem rollback tax rates of certain taxing units", was the primary vehicle for structural property tax relief.  On February 12, 2015 Joe Straus referred HB 365 to Dennis Bonnen's Ways and Means committee, where it died without a hearing.

Bottom Line: If you needed any more proof that Joe Straus has zero interest in structurally reforming the property tax system as long as he remains speaker, bringing Dennis Bonnen in to campaign with him during the closing days ought to be good.

Jeff Judson...Parrot?!?

"A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart."
Proverbs 18:2

A strange new ad from Joe Straus:



The best part, however, from Straus' YouTube page:

Straus' BIZARRE non-endorsement in HD-118

"Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
Matthew 7:20

For those unaware, there's a special election currently underway for a Texas House seat in Bexar County.  We noticed about a week ago that Straus was the only Republican in Bexar County who handn't endorsed the Republican candidate.  We'd been planning to write about it when we received the following e-mail about an hour ago:

SREC members: Why Hasn’t Joe Straus Endorsed John Lujan

 
Today, a number of members of the State Republican Executive Committee of the Texas Republican Party are asking Joe Straus why he refuses to endorse a popular Hispanic Republican in his own county.
 
John Lujan is a strong candidate for the GOP to pick up House District 118.  He is a solid, conservative, Christian, Hispanic entrepreneur and former firefighter.  Most local conservative and even moderate Republican officials have endorsed Lujan, including Senator Donna Campbell, Congressman Lamar Smith, State Rep. Lyle Larson, and County Commissioner Kevin Wolff as well as one of the Speaker’s Republican primary opponents – Jeff Judson.
 
But noticeably absent from this list is Joe Straus, who has refused to endorse Lujan.  Endorsing a fellow Republican who might pick up a seat from the Democrats is the bread and butter of politics.  It’s a no brainer. 
 
We are scratching our heads as to why this is so hard for Joe.  What is Joe’s real agenda?
 
Is it because Joe needs all the Democrat votes he can get to be reelected Speaker and actually favors Tomas Uresti, the Democrat?  If such is the case, he is willing to forego the interests and principles of his Party in order to maintain his power and allegiance with Democrats. 
 
Please Joe – be a leader for Republicans -- not just for Democrats! We believe Republican principles help people prosper.  What do you believe Joe?
 
SREC members endorsing this statement include:
 
Sue Evenwell – SD 1
Tom Roller SD - 31
Vicki Slaton – SD 2
Marvin Clede SD - 17
John Beckmeyer SD - 28
Karl Voigtsberger SD - 8
Mark Ramsey SD- 7
Jeff Judson SD - 25
Alma Perez Jackson SD - 26
Tanya Robertson – SD 11
Terri DuBose SD - 19

Judson secures MAJOR Conservative ENDORSEMENT

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Proverbs 13:20

From a campaign e-mail sent this morning:

For Immediate Release December 28, 2015 Contact:  Jeff Judson, 210-822-1292   Jeff Judson Endorsed by Nation’s Most Influential Evangelical Leader   Dr. James Dobson, described as “the nation’s most influential Evangelical Leader” has issued a strong endorsement of Republican Jeff Judson for Texas House District 121.  Jeff is running to unseat liberal Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, who would enter his 10th year in office in the next legislative session. In his endorsement statement, Dobson said the following: It is my pleasure to be among the many solid conservatives who are supporting Jeff Judson’s candidacy for the Texas State House of Representatives for Texas House district 121.    At this pivotal moment in our country, we must elect faith-filled, courageous men and women who are proven leaders and who will fight to reverse the trends that are eroding our culture.  Jeff Judson is one such leader who is up to the task and prepared for such a time as this.  For years, I have joined millions of people across America in praying that God would raise-up leaders to restore this great nation.  I am excited that Jeff Judson answered that call and has stepped up to offer his services to the people of Texas.    As a private individual, I am honored to endorse Jeff Judson, and pray that his election will be the start of a new generation of leaders who will return this nation to the constitutional principles upon which it was founded. Jeff Judson said, “It is such an honor to be endorsed by Dr. Dobson who I have admired for so many years and who has had such a huge impact on my family and on our nation.  2016 must be the year that evangelicals across our State and Nation step forward to restore our country to greatness and strengthen Texas as the beacon of freedom for America.” James Dobson is the founder of Focus on the Family, and the Family Research Council. His daily radio program was heard daily by more than 220 million people in 164 countries, and broadcast in more than a dozen languages and on over 7,000 stations worldwide.       -30-   Sincerely, Jeff Judson

Bottom Line: This is HUGE!!!

Our First Round of 2016 Candidate Endorsements

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

It's that time in the political cycle.  With the Texas Republican primary only three and a half months out, we must separate wheat from chaff.  Therefore, Cahnman's Musings endorses the following candidates:

PRESIDENT

Ted Cruz (Previously Donated):

Among the candidates running, Ted Cruz defines the problems facing the United States best; because Ted properly defines the problem, he's able to properly discuss solutions.

Early in this campaign, Ted coined the phrase "Washington Cartel" to describe the entrenched culture he is running to break up and replace.  It's a devastatingly accurate phrase.  On issue after issue, corrupt career politicians in both parties have colluded with lobbyists and the media to pass the lobby agenda while stiffing voters.  Nothing is going to change in D.C. until you blow up the corrupt insider culture.  America's problems pre-date the current President and will, unless radical change occurs, continue long after he leaves.  Ted Cruz would be that radical change.  While other candidates have taken on bad ideas in the other party, no one in this race has taken on his own party like Ted Cruz.

It's uncanny how closely, after 4 years of observation, Ted's views on DIFFICULT public policy issues continue to mirror our own.  On issues like the border and national security, Ted strikes a middle ground between hawks and libertarians that draws on the best ideas of both but avoids their respective excesses.  Ted Cruz is the only candidate with a plausible path to the White House who understands our DESPERATE need to reign in the Federal Reserve.  Ted Cruz made the grotesque Export-Import "bank" a household name.  When it comes to judicial nominations (and saving babies), Ted Cruz has stated that he's NOT afraid of a confirmation fight.


UNITED STATES HOUSE

Matt McCall, CD-21:

In the Congressional district where we reside, Matt McCall is running for the second time against a 30 year incumbent who has failed to deliver.

We've been disgusted with our 30 year incumbent congressman since he voted for the TARP bailout in 2008.  Three years later, this 30 year incumbent attempted to pass a hideous invasion of internet privacy called SOPA.  Over 30 years, the incumbent has run up a record we described in 2012 as: "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad."

Despite having lived in his district for most of the past seven years, we'd never met the incumbent Congressman until earlier this year.  Strangely enough, Matt McCall's underfunded 2014 campaign managed to capture 34% of the vote.  Since then, the incumbent has voted modestly better, but a couple months of better votes cannot repair years of violated trust.  Matt McCall would be a fresh start.  Between a 30 year incumbent and a fresh start, the choice is obvious.

TEXAS SENATE

David Simpson, SD-1:

The best symbol for this race is the back microphone in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.

There is more than one good candidate in this race.  Between those good candidates, David Simpson is the one who was most frequently a public thorn in the side of House leadership.  There's a reason why Jonathan Stickland and Konni Burton support David Simpson.

On the policy front, David Simpson is the only candidate in this race to vote against Governor Abbott's godless act of socialism "pre-K" scheme.  The clearest way to send a message to Governor Abbott over "pre-K" would be to send David Simpson to the Texas Senate.  Finally, it's not a secret this website supports marijuana legalization.

TEXAS HOUSE (Running for Re-Election)

Jonathan Stickland, HD-92 (Previously Donated):


You know someone terrifies leadership when they resort to intimidation and lawlessness to stop him; Team Straus has done this to Jonathan Stickland more times than we can count.

Jonathan Stickland has a habit his colleagues despise: he reads bills.  Because Jonathan Stickland reads bills, Jonathan Stickland comes prepared to ask his colleagues difficult questions on the Texas House floor.  They HATE that.  Last session, at personal peril and legal expense, Jonathan Stickland (with an assist from Dan Patrick) killed a bill that would have granted law enforcement authority to rent-a-cops from the Federal Reserve.  For that alone, Jonathan Stickland deserves re-election.

Jonathan Stickland is the conscience of the Texas House of Representatives.  Jonathan Stickland keeps the Texas House of Representatives honest.  Jonathan Stickland has carried legislation to promote conservative priorities like Constitutional Carry and repealing tuition subsidies for illegal aliens.  Jonathan Stickland is a conservative champion.  Let's send Jonathan Stickland back for another two years!!!

Matt Rinaldi, HD-115:

This one was the most difficult decision.  That's not because of anything Matt Rinaldi did; Matt Rinaldi's awesome.  We just have such a low opinion of Matt Rinaldi's opponent that we're not sure he needs our help.

Before he was sworn in, Matt Rinaldi set the tone for the session when he publicly disemboweled the Joe Biden of Texas Republicans in a debate over the speaker's race.  During the session, Matt Rinaldi used social skills to play good cop to Stickland's bad cop.  By the end of the session, Matt Rinaldi had edged out Stickland as the most conservative representative.

One note about Matt Rinaldi's opponent: A former state representative, Matt Rinaldi's opponent is the latest entitled, narcissistic, progeny of a Texas political dynasty to attempt to buy public office.  Think of the Bush family minus the ethics and manners.  While there are plenty of positive reasons to vote for Matt Rinaldi, striking a blow against political dynasties is another good one.

Tony Tinderholt, HD-94:

The #3 conservative last session, Tony Tinderholt is the latest sensation to emerge from Tarrant County.

Early in the session, Tony Tinderholt filed a complaint against a lawless Travis County judge who attempted to use a probate case to re-write Texas' marriage laws.  In so doing, Tony Tinderholt gave Jon Stewart a fit.  If Tony Tinderholt can give Jon Stewart a fit, he's alright in our book.

Tony Tinderholt took out a Straus lieutenant in 2014.  Now, Team Straus is looking for revenge. Re-electing Tony Tinderholt would preserve a seat that had been in RINO hands until very recently.

TEXAS HOUSE (Challenger Candidates)

Jeff Judson, HD-121:

Jeff Judson is the strongest challenger Joe Straus has ever seen; that alone is sufficient reason to support Jeff Judson.

Jeff Judson is the former President of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.  Jeff Judson has run successfully for local office in the district.  Jeff Judson has defeated left-wing transportation proposals locally and is well versed in transportation policy.

Jeff Judson is also an outspoken school choice supporter.  Education is the most liberal policy realm in the Texas House, and Joe Straus has pledged to maintain the status quo if he returns.  Joe Straus is an obstacle to structural governmental reforms, and Jeff Judson is the strongest candidate to remove that obstacle.

Thomas McNutt, HD-8:

Thomas McNutt is running against Byron Cook; that alone is reason to support Thomas McNutt.

Thomas McNutt is a fourth-generation steward of one of the most successful family-owned businesses in Texas' History.  Thomas McNutt supports economic liberty and, unlike the incumbent, opposes illegal immigration.  Thomas McNutt will NOT kill 8 pro-life bills in committee out of spite.

Thomas McNutt has been endorsed by Empower Texans, Texas Right to Life, and Texas Values.  Corsicana is a conservative stronghold and its residents deserve better than a lawless state rep who supports corrupt, liberal, "leadership."  Thomas McNutt is the conservative consensus choice to replace a prominent member of the corrupt cartel that runs the Texas House.

Bo French, HD-99:

Bo French is running against Charlie Geren; that alone is reason to support Bo French.

Just this morning, Bo French was endorsed by Empower Texans.  As they write: “Bo French is a bold champion for values and principles that Texans hold dear,” said TFR’s president, Michael Quinn Sullivan. “Bo French’s smart, no-nonsense approach to good public policy is precisely what taxpayers are demanding. Just as importantly, French will fight the cronyism and corruption that has infested so many levels of government.”

Tarrant County is the leading edge of Texas' grassroots renaissance.  Up to this point, HD-99 has resisted these countywide, statewide, and national trends.  On March 1st, voters in Northwestern Tarrant County will have the opportunity to send Bo French to Austin to represent their conservative values.

Jay Wiley, HD-47:

We've known Jay Wiley since he ran for Austin City Council in 2014.  After he (barely) came up short in that race, we had hoped Jay Wiley would run for HD-47.  Thankfully, he did.

Jay Wiley is the choice for Travis County taxpayers based on local issues alone.  Unlike the silent incumbent, Jay Wiley was a vocal opponent of the recent courthouse bond.  The husband of an ob-gyn, Jay Wiley has committed himself to reducing your property taxes by eliminating the odious entity known as Central Health.

While it's in Travis County, HD-47 is one of the safest Republican districts in Texas.  There's NO reason for Travis County conservatives to pull punches.  Whether your motivating issue is property taxes, defending babies, property taxes, illegal immigration, property taxes, anything else, or property taxes, Jay Wiley is the clear conservative choice in HD-47.

Takeaways From Straus' Interim Charges

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1

Joe Straus released a list of 243 interim charges on Wednesday morning; having finally reviewed them, some thoughts:

• Dan Patrick and Jeff Judson are living rent-free in his head:  The most important aspect of these interim charges is that they were released in the first place.  Dan Patrick released his STRONG conservative interim platform a month ago while Judson has been hammering him for weeks about his failure to act following the Planned Parenthood expose.  Clearly, Straus felt he needed to respond.

• Priorities: Straus' interim charges fall under three categories: Lobby priorities, "Wide-consensus" priorities, and Conservative priorities; in our estimation, 38% of them were lobby priorities, 51% were wide-consensus, and 11% were conservative.

• Protecting Byron Cook: State affairs received ten interim charges.  Four address conservative issues: economic collapse preparation, Planned Parenthood, illegal immigration, and union dues.  Cook has already called a hearing over illegal immigration on December 10th and we expect similar show hearings throughout campaign season.

• LOTS of action for lame duck chairmen:  Jimmie Don Aycock, John Otto, and Jim Keffer are all retiring. Nonetheless Appropriations, Public Ed. and Natural Resources got 37 combined. charges.  The overwhelming majority of those charges are bad.
• Jim Keffer getting nine interim charges related to water...what could POSSIBLY go wrong (ditto Aycock)?!?

• Appropriations, Charge 3: "Examine Texas constitutional spending limits compared to limits utilized in other states, evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining fiscal discipline, and recommend potential modifications, if needed."
• Remember what John Otto did to SB 9 last session

• Appropriations, Charge 16: "Evaluate the effectiveness of the Department of Public Safety’s use of funds appropriated during the 84th legislative session for border security operations. Examine existing data and reporting on border security metrics, and recommend improvements to ensure the availability of accurate information in considering sustaining or increasing border security funds."
• Expect a report full of cheap-labor-lobby/Democrat talking points about the 'effectiveness' of border security efforts without any mention of the Federal 'catch-and-release' program.

• Business and Industry, Charge 3: "Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state. Determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as consumer protections without enacting burdensome regulations. Additionally, study the effects of a growing portion of the state's workforce seeking full-time vs. supplemental part-time employment with related technology-based businesses. Analyze recent debate and legal precedent regarding the classification of these employees."
• The fact that Straus doesn't use commonly accepted nomenclature to describe the sharing economy illustrates he doesn't understand it (which one would expect from someone who describes the economy the same way as Obama).

• Criminal Jurisprudence, Charge 3: "Examine the use of asset forfeiture in this state, including data reporting on forfeiture actions and procedures from seizure through forfeiture in both contested and uncontested cases. Make recommendations for improving these systems that balance law enforcement needs, private property rights, and government transparency."
• Expect a report full of cop-lobbyist talking points about some sort of "vital law enforcement program"

• Economic and Small Business Development, Charge 2: "Evaluate what local governments are doing to attract businesses to their communities and examine ways the state can leverage these practices and provide support. Include ways to improve local economic development programs to ensure a continued return on investment for taxpayers. In addition, study the authority, financial accountability, and types of statutorily allowed expenditures of economic development corporations. Provide analysis of 4A and 4B sales tax programs and determine if they are still meeting their intended purpose effectively."
• Taxpayer funded lobbyists and assorted rent-seekers LOVE this one!!!

• Economic and Small Business Development, Charge 8: "Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education)"
• This WREAKS of Common Core.

• Elections, Charge 1: "Examine the petition process for addressing local ordinances, the time necessary to prepare a petition, the collection of signatures, and the enforcement of local standards required for a petition to be valid. Make necessary recommendations to clarify the petition process to ensure accountability."
• Between the Arlington Red Light Camera ban, the Houston Bathroom ordinance, and the San Marcos fluoride ban citizens around Texas have used the petition process to thwart the schemes of insiders and rent-seekers; insiders and rent-seekers don't like that.

• Energy Resources, Charge 3: "Study current renewable energy regulations in Texas in order to more effectively balance federal, state and local regulations. Review the rights of Texas landowners who receive royalties, operating fees or monthly production payments to ensure fairness. Explore opportunities to maximize existing wind infrastructure toward the promotion of additional renewable energy development such as co-location for generation and transmission. In addition, consider policy solutions to incentivize colocation of simultaneous surface electricity and mineral energy production."
• Straus ACTUALLY did an interim charge over 'renewable energy'; we could stop there....

• Government Transparency and Operation, Charge 3: "Study issues related to access to public information held outside of the custody or control of the governmental body by current or former officers or employees. Assess whether the Public Information Act's procedures for response to repetitious or redundant public information requests adequately protect small governmental bodies from the financial burdens imposed by such requests."
• NOTHING good can come from this.

• Higher Education, Charge 3: "Study the affordability and accessibility of undergraduate college education in Texas, including a focus on middle-class students. Analyze the cost of attendance and tuition rates, comparing Texas institutions to their national peers. Review the availability and effectiveness of financial aid programs, and analyze student debt and default rates. Study and recommend ways to promote timely and cost efficient graduation."
• A source points out this charge is ingenuously worded to look like the leadership actually cares about middle class families, but is carefully littered with UT politburo buzz words.
• Define "Middle Class."
• Define "National Peers."

• Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, Charge 2: "Examine whether family law statutes and those affecting the parent-child relationship provide sufficient guidance to Texas judges as to the appropriate application of foreign law. Consider whether additional statutory provisions regarding application of foreign law could provide useful guidance while preserving judges' ability to consider the circumstances of each case and not needlessly prolonging litigation."
• This means American Laws for American Courts; expect a report filled with Steve Bresnen's talking points.

• Juvenile Justice and Family Issues, Change 6: "Examine the Texas Family Code’s treatment of grandparents in the parent-child relationship, including Chapters 32, 34, 153, 161, and 162 and suggest any changes that may be useful to address the growing population of grandparents and the best interests of Texas children and families."
• Given the anti-Parental Authority sentiment in the legislature, anything involving grandparents and the 'family code' makes us nervous.

• Land and Resource Management, Charge 4: "Examine current regulatory authority available to municipalities in their extraterritorial jurisdiction. Study current annexation policies in Texas. Make necessary legislative recommendations to ensure a proper balance between development, municipal regulations, and the needs of citizens in Texas."
• Normally this would make us nervous, but annexation is so TOXIC in Bexar county that something good might come of it.

• Licensing and Administrative Procedure, Charge 1: "Identify all occupations licensed by the state to determine if they are necessary for public safety and health. Determine if any criminal penalties associated with licensure are unnecessarily punitive, recommend methods to improve reciprocity with other states, and determine if a mandatory certification program could be used in lieu of mandatory licensure."
• Expect a report recommending watered-down half measures that do little to impact the relevant rent-seekers.

• Licensing and Administrative Procedure, Charge 3: "Explore the increasing incidence of powdered alcohol, its impact on underage drinking, and regulations in other states that have appropriately addressed the various impacts of the product."
• If he's bringing this one back, then Charlie Geren's getting paid.

• Natural Resources, Charge 4: "Evaluate the progress of seawater desalination projects near the Texas coast as a means of increasing water supplies and reducing strain on existing supplies, building on the work of the Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination (83rd session). Examine the viability of the use of public-private partnerships and of methods by which the state might facilitate such a project."
• Todd Hunter's payday.

• Public Education, Charge 8: "Study ways to increase parental choice in education, and review the successes and failures of school choice programs in other states. Examine the benefits and costs of implementing such a program in Texas. Recommend whether an expansion of school choice in Texas is needed, and suggest ways to ensure that any school receiving public support is held accountable for its academic and financial performance."
• Expect a report full of pro-government school propaganda (esp. concerning 'rural school districts') to confuse the debate when the Senate reports.

• Transportation, Charge 2: "Examine the current framework for designating a project as a tolled road. Consider ways to reduce or eliminate the role of tolled roads in providing congestion relief given recent transportation funding measures approved by the Legislature."
• Another charge designed to confuse the issue with the Senate.

• Ways and Means, Charge 1: "Review aspects of the property tax system that contribute to rising property tax levies and taxpayer dissatisfaction. Examine whether the current system allows taxpayers meaningful participation in determining local property tax rates. Explore changes to the appraisal process that could improve the accuracy of appraisals."
• Another charge designed to confuse the issue with the Senate.

• Ways and Means, Charge 2: "Assess the impact of a repeal of the franchise tax on the state's economy and on revenue stability for state government. The assessment should include a dynamic analysis of the economic impact."
• Another charge designed to confuse the issue with the Senate.

Bottom Line: Business as usual.

Almost HALF of SREC endorses Jeff Judson!!!

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24

We'd forgotten that Jeff Judson is currently on the SREC, but this is an impressive list:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Contact: Jeff Judson (210) 822-1292 Jeff Judson Announces Endorsements from Almost One-half All SREC Members Reflects Widespread Disagreement with House Leadership Jeff Judson, Candidate for Texas House District 121, today announced that almost one-half of the entire State Republican Executive Committee have endorsed his candidacy.  These endorsements reflect a high level of trust in the leadership abilities and experience of Jeff Judson, but also a high level of dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Texas House under Speaker Joe Straus. Alma Perez Jackson, SREC Committeewoman from Senate District 26 in San Antonio said, “I have known and worked with Jeff here in Bexar County, and on the SREC, and he represents the future of our Republican Party.  No one has done more than Jeff to build bipartisan coalitions to challenge local politicians who work against the taxpayers.  Jeff Judson will do a better job of representing HD 121 and will allow the Texas House to choose a Speaker who agrees, rather than who works against, the priorities of the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the grassroots voters.” John Beckmeyer, SREC committeeman from Senate District 28 said, “Jeff Judson’s long list of endorsements from members of the SREC is a reflection of our strong confidence in Jeff and our desire to have a new House Speaker who is in touch with the direction of our State. Given Jeff’s many years of service working for the conservative cause, I know he can win this race and that he will be a productive and courageous member of the House from day one.” Karl Voigtsberger, SREC Committeeman from SD 8 said, "We are strongly behind Jeff and look forward to greater productivity and harmony with the Texas House under a new Speaker.” It should be noted that SREC members not endorsing Jeff are not necessarily endorsing Joe Straus for reelection.  In fact, very few, if any, are. Endorsements as of 11/3 include: SD 1 – Sue Evenwel SD 2 – David Hale and Vicki Slaton SD 6 – Chris McDonald and Glenda Bowles SD 7 – Mark Ramsey SD 8 – Candy Noble and Karl Voigtsberger SD 11 – Tanya Robertson SD 12 – David Halvorson SD 13 – Dale Gibble SD 15 – Montie Watkins and Vergel Cruz SD 16 – Virginia Prodan and Randall Dunning SD 17 – Marvin Clede SD 19 – Teresa DuBose SD 23 -- Jonathan Boos SD 25 – Jeff Judson SD 26 – Alma Perez Jackson SD 28 – John W. Beckmeyer SD 29 – Mark Dunham and Mary Holmsley SD 30 – Deon Starnes and Danny Pelton SD 31 – Rhonda Lacy and Tom Roller

Read the whole thing here.

Straus campaign staffer stealing Jeff Judson's literature

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1

Pathetic:

ALERT: Joe Straus' dirty tactics continue! Today one of my volunteers caught a Joe Straus campaign staffer stealing my...
Posted by Jeff Judson on Monday, November 2, 2015

Bottom Line: Losing campaigns act this way....

11 videos in...why hasn't Joe Straus investigated Planned Parenthood?!?

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1

The Center for Medical Progress' Planned Parenthood expose began early this summer.  Since then, the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General have acted.  On that note, Jeff Judson highlights the inaction from the Texas House:

With the release of the 11th video showing Planned Parenthood clinics selling fetal body parts, the urgency of the Texas House to hold hearings is more pressing.  Over 100 days ago, our Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General took action.  But Speaker Straus has taken no action whatsoever.

On July 14th, Governor Abbott directed “the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to conduct an immediate investigation of this alleged practice in addition to a separate investigation ordered by the Texas Office of the Attorney General.” As a result, state of Texas investigators served subpoenas at three Planned Parenthood facilities to determine whether their employees are guilty of defrauding the state’s Medicaid program.

On July 15th, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick called for “expedited” hearings after the first Planned Parenthood video surfaced.  His statement included the following:  “I am requesting that Senator Charles Schwertner and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee conduct an interim hearing within the next month to ensure no laws are being broken. The committee will report back to the full Senate on Planned Parenthood’s business practices conducted in Texas, and make whatever recommendations are appropriate.” (Emphasis added)

On July 15th, Attorney General Paxton said “The Office of the Attorney General has launched an official investigation into Planned Parenthood following the release of a video that details the organization’s calculated slaughter of human babies to maximize the available body parts they plan to sell.”

The inaction of Speaker Straus is deplorable.  Other than a political statement Straus mentioned in an obscure video on the Bexar GOP website where he said “you will see the Texas House committees … getting into this issue themselves” sometime before January 2017, the Speaker has done nothing.  What is the Speaker waiting for?  The need for an investigation and to inform House members is immediate.

“Speaker Straus’ continuing delay in calling for hearings reveals his lack of leadership, his lack of concern for these abhorrent acts by Planned Parenthood and a lack of appreciation for the role of the House of Representatives in fulfilling its role in investigations,” said Jeff Judson, Candidate for HD 121.  “The time for hearings is now, not during the holidays, and not right before the March 1 primary as a political show-hearing in January or February.”

Sign the petition calling on Straus to investigate Planned Parenthood here.

Bottom Line: Whatever token concessions Joe Straus makes to political reality on the life issue, the Texas House's continued inaction four months into the CMP's expose speaks for itself.

Jeff Judson outlines his issues

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

Jeff Judson, running against Joe Straus in HD-121, outlines his priorities should he win:



Highlights:

• 8th generation Texan; family moved to San Antonio shortly after the Alamo.

• UT-Austin alum -- Became conservative after realizing liberal professor was full of crap.
• Personal Note: He doesn't discuss it here, but considering that Straus is one of the main perpetrators, he can't help but be better on U.T. issues.

• At TPPF for 8 years.

• Big school choice supporter.

• Defeated light rail in San Antonio multiple times.

• Austin might be marginally better than D.C.: "but there's still a lot of room for improvement."

• "I was very involved on the school choice front."

• "We've been talking about school choice for 20 years."
• In that time, 27 states have acted.

• School choice hasn't even gotten a hearing in the House.

• Too many "no-brainer" bills didn't move last session.
• eg. American Laws for American Courts

• We "don't have enough money" for roads, but we have plenty for "stupid transit projects."

• Toll roads = "The most expensive way to build a road."

• "If you pour more money into a broken system, you can break it even more."

• Against taxpayer funded lobbying.

• "Our municipal level governments are going crazy."
• Annise Parker and the Houston 5.
• San Antonio bathroom ordinance fight in '13.
• Big government liberalism: "alive and well" in Texas' cities.
• Budgeted at effective tax rate when he was on city council.

• Opposes forced annexation, strongly supports liberty cities.

• "I think the State Board [of Ed.] is an important check."
• Still, school choice can solve a lot of the more controversial issues that come before the Board.

Bottom Line: Education is the most liberal policy area in the entire Texas legislature.  Getting more conservatives elected who are interested in it is CRUCIALLY important to structural change.  In addition to deposing Straus, Judson would bring an ESSENTIAL conservative voice to the Texas House's education discussions.