Day of Reckoning Editorial Misses the Point

The Dallas Morning News stated facts, but missed the point in the editorial “Day of Reckoning – GOP must lead or get out of the way.”

You stated correctly that Republicans control the Governor’s Mansion, the Senate and the House for the first time since the 19th century. And we are facing a potential $9.9 billion budget shortfall.

Isn’t it ironic that we are facing this budget shortfall when Republicans are just now taking the reins – with Republican leadership in the Texas House of Representatives for the first time in 130 years. Government 101 students know that tax bills start in the House.

Give our new leadership a break!

Taxpayers aren’t eager to hear more ways to extract dollars. Texans are tightening their belts and scrutinizing their family budgets. When we think “there’s no place to cut”, we find ways to make ends meet and take care of our families’ priorities. And we expect government to do the same thing.

Our forefathers envisioned a limited government and unlimited opportunities for citizens. Instead, we have taxpayers footing the bill for a cumbersome government with too many individuals looking for entitlements.

We should look at programs across the board and ask if what we are doing is an appropriate role of government or can it be done by the private sector?

The editorial referred us to a website of the organization which touts raising revenue and avoiding cuts “that would truly devastate working Texas families.” It’s working Texas families that are footing the bill for an ever-growing government – whether we pay it in sales taxes, in local property taxes to support local schools, or imbedded in the cost of goods and services. People pay taxes, not businesses and industries.

Let’s get real: we taxpayers foot the bill for government whether it’s taken from our right hand pocket or our left. And I haven’t met many taxpayers who believe taxes are too low – unless you look at the groups organizing a conference to explore more ways to milk the taxpayer!