BUDGET CRISIS
Over the last 10 years, our outstanding debt has increased by almost 150%. To put that in perspective, in 2002 our outstanding debt was already equal to $763 per Texan, but as of 2011 it has risen to $1,568 per Texan. Think about that number for a moment. The debt you and I are responsible for has perpetually increased, even though there are over 5 million more of us today than there was in 2002. I don't know what that tells you, but it tells me our debt is completely out of control and has been for a very long time.
Most Texans are unaware that under State law, we have limits on how much we can spend on debt in any given year. Most Texans are also unaware that we are dangerously close to exceeding that limit. How will Texans react on the day our own legislature meets to discuss changing our law to allow for a "debt ceiling increase"?
According to the state comptroller, of the 95 billion dollars plus we spent during the last budget, almost 27 billion came from the federal government's "borrowed money". And Texas is to receive almost 31 billion in 2012 and almost 24 billion in 2013. No matter how you look at it, Texas is being "Subsidized" by the federal government.
In the long run, this unhealthy relationship with the federal government can only have disastrous results for the State of Texas as well as America.
I think we can all agree that the corrections needed to bring Texas back to her rightful position of independence will be tough. Let's face it, our budget problems are tied to almost every aspect of our lives. We all need to come to terms with the reality of what lays ahead. It will take all of us working together.
One thing is for certain, we simply cannot continue down this path...
EDUCATION
THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE 7. - EDUCATION
Sec. 1. SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEM OF PUBLIC FREE SCHOOLS. A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.
Our education system is in dire straits, and appears to be in a perpetual state of decline. By allowing the federal government to basically subsidize our children's education with their borrowed money, we have become subservient.
We accept the indebted funds from the federal government with all the socialist strings attached to implement their rules, their regulations and their curriculum with or without the approval of the citizens of Texas. This unconstitutional relationship does nothing to advance the education of Texas children, and everything to destroy our State sovereignty. It has to stop.
I believe it is time to discuss what part of our children's education should be funded at the State level to maintain “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people…”, as required by the Constitution, and opting out of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It may be a situation where the counties and school districts will need to derive funding locally to maintain any additional curriculum that the State may not be able to fund. In every case, we Texans must work toward restoring maximum parental and local control over our children's education.
It appears education and illegal immigration are the two biggest issues facing our budget crisis today. Texans are going to have to be honest with each other and understand that the structural changes needed to correct our downward spiral will be extremely tough for everyone. At the same time, we must remember that we are strong and independent. We can restore our liberty and perpetuate this republic as it was intended. We Texans can handle it.
Feel free to use the form below let Dwayne know how you feel about these or any other issues facing our community