Those 30% who were paying attention already knew this, of course. If you are a conservative who believed Perry’s bluster and agree with the conservative budgeting model because it’s worked so well in Texas, then you were suckered, again.
The Texas deficit it worse than New York’s and about the same as California’s.
The Texas Omen
By PAUL KRUGMAN
The point, however, is that just the other day Texas was being touted as a role model (and still is by commentators who haven’t been keeping up with the news). It was the state the recession supposedly passed by, thanks to its low taxes and business-friendly policies. Its governor boasted that its budget was in good shape thanks to his “tough conservative decisions.”
Oh, and at a time when there’s a full-court press on to demonize public-sector unions as the source of all our woes, Texas is nearly demon-free: less than 20 percent of public-sector workers there are covered by union contracts, compared with almost 75 percent in New York.
So what happened to the “Texas miracle” many people were talking about even a few months ago?
For years the Texas budget success has all been an illusion.
One way to drown government and get rid of all those pesky social programs that conservatives hate like Social Security, public schools, libraries, museums and such is to run the government completely out of money. That takes care of any regulation on the oil and gas industry too because–sorry–no money for that. Break the bank then tell people it’s hard times so we have to cut all the programs. Take away children’s health insurance then give them a turkey and a bike. If they fall off the bike though, you won’t be able to take them to the hospital.
What now???
Given the complete dominance of conservative ideology in Texas politics, tax increases are out of the question. So it has to be spending cuts.
You can’t cut taxes and balance the budget. It’s simple math.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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Just wait because you know it will get worse now that the Refukedupiclans have a majority of the voice in the Texas House and Senate.
Don't worry though all you straight party Rep. voters will be shown the light when the government in Texas finds a way to blame all it's woes on the EPA, "Obamacare", green energy, Texas Sharon, and the boogieman.
Whoever said voting is not the most important thing you can do to fight big oil and gas in Texas was absolutely wrong or extremely naive.
Oh well just 3 years, 11 months, and 357 days left to deal with the current idiots in charge of the great state of Texas.
You can bet they will take health care away from the poor and helpless but good ole governor "DICK" Perry will still be living high on the hog using the taxpayers dime.
I wonder if Texas had to pay for his securtiy while he did his nationwide book tour?
I was just asking my husband, "how can Texas be bankrupt when Pretty Perry has been making all those jaunts to Israel and other countries for the purpose of 'bizness'". I think Perry should donate his salary and pay his own rent on the house in Westlake. I think we can probably wait on rebuilding the governor's mansion as well.