Taxpayer Groups Encourage Legislature to Holding the Line on State Spending

Gathered around a makeshift kitchen table in a room overlooking the state Capitol, seven groups representing over 200,000 members and millions of taxpayers held a press conference to send a message to the Texas Legislature to hold the line on spending.

Peggy Venable, director of Texas Citizens for a Sound Economy, said, “There is significant citizen support for limiting government. We are here today representing the silent taxpayers who are working to take care of their families and pay their taxes. As families are gathering around their kitchen tables making tough family budget decisions, we are encouraging the Texas Legislature to make tough decisions and hold the line on state spending and not ask for more of our tax dollars.”

NFIB Texas director Jeff Clark referred to a recent NFIB study which found state spending has gone up 48% since 1985 to 1998. “We are looking at the expansion of state government at taxpayers expense. Many small business people around the state are having to close up shop and lay off people” said Clark. “We hear dire predictions on what will happen if the legislature cuts spending. What will be more dire is if they do not cut spending. People will be without jobs and without benefits.”

Janelle Shepard from Weatherford spoke on behalf of The Texas Women’s Alliance saying big government advocates claiming that this legislature is “mean and irresponsible” are wrong. “The budget has been balanced on the backs of Texas taxpayers for decades.”

As a nurse, Shepard addressed the medical malpractice issue and said that tort reform would help keep health care costs down and save the state and taxpayers from frivolous lawsuits. “We are all willing to do our part,” said Shepard, “but we need some relief.”

John Colyandro said, “At heart of HB 1 (the state appropriations bill) is the concept that the state should not and cannot do everything. Government should focus on the things only it can do and leave the rest to the private sector, individuals, communities and churches. A government that expands to meet every need …loses sight of its priorities and guarantees that it will not do the basics very well.” He went on to say we are “headed toward higher taxes if we do not pass House Bill 1”.

Speaking on behalf of Texas Citizens Action Network, Maria Martinez said, “I want legislators to consider the Texas family who has been downsized underemployed and some unemployed for the past few years. They are Americans who do not shirk their responsibilities to take care of their families, please consider those people.” She said the taxpayer is unseen and unheard at the Capitol and not “lighting up the switchboards” but represent the majority of hard-working Texans who voted in November for less government.

Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business, said, “When the history of this session is written, it will finally be said that the voice of the taxpayer has finally been heard.”

Speaking as the former head of a state agency, Hammond said that there are things which should be done to improve the efficiency of state government

Brooke Rollins, president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said, “Today, our House leaders are holding the line on spending. Over the last decade, our budget has increased 125% while our population has only increased 27%. It is imperative that state leaders set clear spending priorities. Texas citizens cannot afford more government.”

The answer to the state budget isn’t found in tricky gimmicks or slights of hand or tax increases. But rather in cutting waste and re-examining what we are funding and why we are funding it. State government cannot be all things to all people.”

She went on to say, “ Research shows that lower taxes in the major factor in a robust economy. It is not possible for any government to spend its way into prosperity.”

Kelly Shackelford, president of the Free Market Foundation, was unable to attend the press conference but sent a statement in which he said, “It is high time that the government do what almost every family has had to do – live on a real budget.” He also expressed his support for HJR 15 which would limit government spending.

Many big-government advocates have criticized the budget as slashing state services. However, this budget includes a $2.1 billion increase for health and human services. Texans who are most in need will continue to have those needs met. Education is also a priority in the proposed budget with 58 cents of every tax dollar going to education and $1.2 billion new dollars going to school districts.

However, this budget is a response to the voters of Texas who said last November that they wanted less government. It reduces spending by $3.4 billion. This budget strips bureaucracy and reduces costs. For every government entitlement, that burden always falls on Texas workers and families.

As Texas families sit across the kitchen table and sharpen their pencils to balance the family budget, priorities are established – we think government should do the same. As in the family where compromises are made, everyone participates and in the end, the essentials are covered and everyone shares in tightening the belt.

This budget meets the needs of Texas citizens without digging deeper into working Texans’ pockets.

The state budget has grown over 360% over the past 20 years. During that time, state population has increased under 40% and the CPI plus population has increased only 120%. It is clear state spending is outpacing all other indicators.

And who pays taxes? We do – every government dollar spent comes from a taxpayers’ pocket. As taxpayers, we want to limit the government entitlements – we are entitled to our paychecks. And we appreciate legislative efforts to limit the growth of government.