“The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the governor’s efforts to keep Texas’ economy vibrant by controlling the growth of government. While the governor acknowledges a requirement for basic government services in the state, he also understands the value of a definitive cap on government spending.
“Gov. Perry is correct that the growth in government spending should be limited to the sum of inflation and population increases, instead of being tied to the larger and more dubious figure of growth in personal income. The state’s currently estimated spending limit creates a temptation for budget writers to arbitrarily increase the size of state government, for which taxpayers always pay the price.
“We join Gov. Perry in urging our state agencies and the next Texas Legislature to maintain fiscal restraint, pursue additional steps toward transparency in state government spending, and uphold the proud tradition of low taxes and limited government.”
The Honorable Talmadge Heflin is Director of the Center for Fiscal Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin. Heflin served 11 terms in the Texas House of Representatives and is a former chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas. More information can be found on the Foundation’s website, www.TexasPolicy.com.
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