By Raul Torres CPA & State Rep. District 33
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Last week House Joint Resolution 70 was filed in the Texas House by Rep. Ken
Paxton. This is by far one of the most important bills that have been filed this year. The bill itself is not new since similar bills
have been filed in previous years however none of them passed both houses of the Legislature.
Once signed into law HJR 70 will allow the voters of Texas to vote on a constitutional amendment that would limit State spending by keeping it in line with the growth in our States economy or restrict it to the rate of population growth plus inflation whichever is less. This measure would provide legislators with a more reliable budget estimate each legislative session in order that there may be fewer massive budget shortfalls.
The Spending Problem in Texas
Between fiscal years 1990 and 2010 all funds appropriations for Texas state government increased from $23.3 billion to $92.7 billion. This represents a growth of nearly 300.
By contrast the rate of population growth plus inflation for that same time period increased only 115.5 percent.
Another way to explain this overspending is this: On a per capita basis Texas state government spending increased from $1365 per person in fiscal year 1990 to $3648 per person in fiscal year 2010. That is an amazing increase of 167 .
The Lost Opportunity Cost
Had our state government spending been limited to population growth plus inflation increases from 1990 to 2010 the cost of operating Texas state
government-and the spending burden on taxpayers-would be much less than it is today.
Instead of spending $92.7 billion on Texas government in FY 2010 taxpayers would have only spent $50.2 billion or $42.5 billion less!
Looking Into The Future
The Legislature can do little to reverse the excessive spending of the past; but it can protect taxpayers going forward. To accomplish this goal I will do my part in supporting HJR 70.
I invite you to join with me as we begin the fight do all we can to diminish the rising cost of government. With such a policy in place I believe that Texas could lead the country to drastically limit government spending and provide substantial tax relief to taxpayers while improving the overall economy.
This would result in the creatation of thousands of new jobs right here in Texas. This I believe is truly good and responsible government.
Lets move Texas forward.
News from Austin
The Senate passed SB 14 - Voter ID bill on Wednesday.
The House passed HB 4 - The Rules Bill. This piece of legislation is necessary because it lays out the rules that will guide how the 82nd Legislative Session operates.
I had a private meeting with the Speaker Straus Chief of Staff as and Governor Perrys House Liaison. Upcoming meetings are scheduled with Lt. Governor
Dewhursts House Liaison Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa and Chairman Jim Pitts.
Finally I turned in my committee assignment card on Wednesday. I requested in order of preference the following committee assignments:
- Appropriations
- Insurance
- Economic and Small Business Development
News from Corpus Christi
Were getting closer to opening our district office. Our Grand Opening is set for February 3 2011 at noon. We will be issuing a press release along with an invitation to the general public early next week.
The location is: 2820 S Padre Island Dr.
Suite 106
Corpus Christi TX 78415
located between Kostroyz Rd and Ayers St. near the Ed Hicks side of SPID. Celest Hernandez will serve as our District Director.
