By Bill O'NeilThe State of the State is stronger than ever--the word from Texas Governor Rick Perry during Tuesday's State of the State Address before a joint session fo the Texas Legislature at the Capitol in Austin.
"Texans have succeeded to the tune of more than a half a million preivate sector jobs added over the last two years alone" the Govenor said, adding "We are creating all kinds of jobs--low paying jobs, medium paying jobs, and high paying jobs. We've created jobs in all three categories faster than the national rate over the last ten years."
Still--the Governor did leave open the possibility of some changes to be made going forward and nudged lawmakers to take action.
"We should put in place a stronger constitutional limit on spending growth--insuring it never grows more than the combined rate of infaltion and population" The Governor said--while also pushing for a constitutional amendment to return unspent tax dollars to the taxpayers"
"Today, I'm calling for a mechanism to be put in to place so that when we do bring in more (money) than we need, we'll have the option of returning tax money directly to the people that paids it" Perry said. He also called for dipping in to the state's Rainy Day Fund for nearly four-billion dollars to be used on essential transportation wnd water systems.
"Today, I'm calling for a mechanism to be put in to place so that when we do bring in more (money) than we need, we'll have the option of returning tax money directly to the people that paids it" Perry said. He also called for dipping in to the state's Rainy Day Fund for nearly four-billion dollars to be used on essential transportation wnd water systems.
"The Rainy Day Fund was created to insure that we had a sufficient amount in reserve in case of disaster--and to maintain Texas' Strong Credit Rating."
As always, the reaction to the Governor's address depends on who you ask. Environmentalists see some good in the the Governor's call for using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund on ater--but also said there's something missing.
As always, the reaction to the Governor's address depends on who you ask. Environmentalists see some good in the the Governor's call for using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund on ater--but also said there's something missing.
"We need to have a comprehensive approach to water--we can't just build our way out of our water issues" said Ken Kramer with the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club who sees a need for more talk of conservation and better drought management.
"Unless we do all of those things--and do them well--we're not going to be able to protect and preserve the quality of life in Texas that will continue to be attractive to businesses and people."
Others took aim at the Governor's push to return unspent tax money to the taxpayers.
"Instead of fixing the problems and instead of investing in public educatiuon or health care for future generations of Texans--we're just going to go ahead and give it back" said Progress Texas Executive Director Matt Glazer. Still--there are some groups that are applauding the Governor. The Texas Asssociaiton of Businesss said the address set a course to keep the state moving in the right direction economically.
Among those in the audience, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said the address is a call to action to keep Texas the most exceptional state in the country. Freshman State Senator Donna Campbell also gave a thumbs up.
"I think he is committed. He layed out a conservative vision for economic freedom to keep Texas strong" Campbell said.
"Unless we do all of those things--and do them well--we're not going to be able to protect and preserve the quality of life in Texas that will continue to be attractive to businesses and people."
Others took aim at the Governor's push to return unspent tax money to the taxpayers.
"Instead of fixing the problems and instead of investing in public educatiuon or health care for future generations of Texans--we're just going to go ahead and give it back" said Progress Texas Executive Director Matt Glazer. Still--there are some groups that are applauding the Governor. The Texas Asssociaiton of Businesss said the address set a course to keep the state moving in the right direction economically.
Among those in the audience, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said the address is a call to action to keep Texas the most exceptional state in the country. Freshman State Senator Donna Campbell also gave a thumbs up.
"I think he is committed. He layed out a conservative vision for economic freedom to keep Texas strong" Campbell said.
