Gang of 3 Demand 5% Budget Cuts from State Agencies

by: Matt Glazer

Sat Jan 16, 2010 at 10:57 AM CST

Since then, every biennium, Rick Perry, Tom Craddick, and David Dewhurst -- also known as "The Gang of 3" -- have demanded increasing cuts. One Republican described their demand as "cutting bone."

Yesterday, the new "Gang of 3" -- new Speaker Joe Straus, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, and 12 year incumbent Republican Governor, Rick Perry -- all notified state agencies that they must identify an additional 5% cut in their current budgeted general revenue funds and general revenue-dedicated funds.

Texas Democratic Governor candidate Bill White released a statement responding to the Republican demands.

The State of Texas has been affected by a global economic recession. The Legislature passed a budget using the Comptroller's assumptions that sales tax revenues would increase in the two years beginning October 1, 2009 compared to the prior two years. At least two months ago it became obvious that sales tax revenues would drop rather than go up. I wrote about this on December 12th. Sales tax revenues for the last three months have dropped by 12% rather than going up. 
 
Governor Perry is the head of the Executive Branch of state government. For months, he should have been identifying efficiencies and productivity improvements that would allow a reduction in spending without a compromise in services delivered. This exercise has occurred among well-run businesses in Texas and cities such as Houston. Any well-run organization can find these kind of deficiencies, but it takes attention to detail and strong management skills to implement them. This job is not the responsibility of legislative leadership. Governor Perry has had information about these declines in sales tax revenues for almost two months. At least the first two or three percent in cuts should have been identified by now and presented by Governor Perry for public comment and discussion.

I have no doubt that the State of Texas will balance its budget, as required by the Texas Constitution. As Lt. Governor Dewhurst has pointed out, this is and has been the law in our State for decades. The task of the Governor is to manage reduced spending without compromising basic services. The later the Governor starts the more difficult this will be.

Perry even wanted to cut more (6%), Dewhurst less (1%) and  Joe Straus and the "Gang of 3" eventually decided that 5% was just right.

From Quorum Report:

Straus confirmed earlier in the week that the men would seek the 5 percent cuts, or twice the level originally proposed by Dewhurst in December.

Speaking to reporters before his luncheon appearance at a policy orientation sponsored by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Perry said that he proposed a higher level of cuts -- 6 percent -- but that the group came to a consensus of 5 percent.

State leaders were able to defer dealing with a budget shortfall last session due to the timely arrival of federal stimulus dollars. With those dollars going away, lawmakers are looking at having to cover a budget shortfall next session somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 billion.

Rather than lead or set priorities, these Republican elected officials have one set of solutions -- rhetoric and blind cuts.

Speaker Straus Unwilling to Forget Voter ID and Focus On Real Problems

by: Michael Hurta

Fri Nov 20, 2009 at 09:54 AM CST

The following is the third charge given to the House Committee on Elections:

Examine the prevalence of fraud in Texas elections. Study new laws in other states regarding voter identification and recommend statutory changes necessary to ensure that only eligible voters can vote in Texas elections.

Wasn't it already concluded that voter impersonation happens infrequently?  Changes, clearly, aren't necessary no matter which way you slice it.

I am upset mainly, though, because Speaker Straus saw how a push for voter suppression derailed plenty of good laws last session.  It was his one colossal failure as a first-term speaker, and he wants another go.  

Wow.  What happened to learning from one's mistakes?  The only way I can see this as something other than a repeat of an error is if he feels his position is in danger from the Craddick-Right.  Even still, Voter Suppression should be a non-starter with any leader, especially one that fell flat in its wake once already.

Marie Antoinette Dewhurst and Joe Scrooge Straus to the Poor: Eat Dirt

by: Libby Shaw

Tue Sep 29, 2009 at 04:51 PM CDT

Meanwhile, Texas isn't coming close to meeting federal requirements to process food stamp applications within a month. Last month, about 38,000 new applicants were left awaiting approval even though the federal deadline had passed. About one in six applications is processed incorrectly.

Food Stamps are 100% funded by the Federal Government. All Texas has to do is distribute the funds. Unfortunately due to either incompetence, stinginess or cold-hearted contempt for the state's struggling jobless, Texas is not doing its job.

Does our state legislature care?  

No it does not.

Lack of Leadership Costs Texas Taxpayers

by: Matt Glazer

Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 10:05 AM CDT

Answer: $30,000 per day.

When Perry calls the anticipated special session to extend the life of the five agencies, it will cost taxpayers another $30,408 a day for lawmakers to finish their incomplete business.

Ratcliffe writes a detailed story about the real costs of operations at the capitol.  While the 140 day regular session only costs $9.1 million dollars, a special session could cost tax payers an additional $900,000 if the session runs 30 days.

Simply put, Lt Gov. David Dewhurst, Speaker Joe Straus, and Governor Rick Perry's failure to lead is literally costing tax payers.

Rick Perry has been the Governor of Texas since George W. Bush became President in 2000.  He officially assumed the top spot December 21, 2000. Since becoming Governor, there have been 7 special sessions-- 3 in 2005 to deal with education financing, 3 in 2003 to deal with redistricting and 1 more in 2004 to finish off the job.

Now we are looking at an 8th special session in Perry's long tenure as Governor. That is nearly 2 specials called for every regular session.  This time we are going to spend $30,000+ a day because of a failure to pass necessary language to keep the Texas Department of Transportation, Department of Insurance, Office of Public Insurance Counsel, the Texas Racing Commission or the State Affordable Housing Corporation alive.

Now taxpayers are required to pay for a lack of leadership from the Republican Party... again.

Straus: "It's Possible We Could Avoid" a Special Session

by: David Mauro

Tue Jun 02, 2009 at 11:55 AM CDT

After Sine Die last night, many Capitol observers assumed a special session was all but guaranteed.

However, if you believe what Speaker Joe Straus told the Austin American-Statesman and Governor Perry's remarks at his recent press conference, a special session may not end up being called after all.

From the Statesman:

Straus said agencies will continue to operate and a special session may not be necessary. “It’s possible we could avoid one,” he said, deferring the topic to Gov. Rick Perry, who has the sole authority to call special sessions.

“I don’t consider this a crisis,” Straus said.

...

“Overblown,” he said of senators’ frets about the bonds.

In his 11am press conference this morning, Perry echoed Straus' uncertainty about a special session as he told the press that it was "way too early to make any calls on a special session."

Update (Matt): Here is the full text of Rick Perry's statement.

Legislature Adjourns Sine Die, Refuses to Pass Top Perry Priority

by: Matt Glazer

Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 09:31 PM CDT

Here is the long story.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance are under threat of sunseting before the next regular legislative session.

The next session won't start for a little under 2 years, but both agencies begin the sunset process in a little over a year and a half.  The gap required legislators to discuss a Sunset safety net to fix the gap.

The House put a quick and dirty solution together and voted out HCR 291.  HCR 291 was the proposed solution to keep TDI and TxDOT operating until next session since HB 1959 didn't get through the deadlines.

When the Republican led Senate couldn't figure out what to do in response to the Republican led House, Republican Troy Fraser made the motion to simply adjourn the Texas Senate Sine Die without fixing the problem.

According to Quorum Report, Leticia Van De Putte opposed the idea and told her colleagues in the Senate exactly what she thought.

San Antonio Democrat Leticia van de Putte was not satisfied with the response.  She pointed out that the Department of Insurance is also in danger of being sunsetted.

"What happens to consumers should be leave here with out authorizing the continuance of the Texas Department of Insurance (and TxDOT)?" Van de Putte asked.

[...]

"I'm afraid that we are shirking our responsibility. Just because the House has acted irresponsibly, does that mean they have to drag the Senate into it, too?" Van de Putte said.  "We are possibly facing legislative suicide with those two agencies."

Needless to say, the nearly 2/3rd Republican chamber voted to adjourn without fixing the problem.

Now, Rick Perry has to decide whether addressing the agencies before the sunset really is a top priority of his or not.  If it is a priority, his only solution is to call a special session. If it was all political pandering and posturing, then say goodbye to TxDOT and TDI.

Regardless, this is what failed leadership looks like on every level.  This a failure of the House, Senate, and the Governor.  There wasn't a leader at any level and because of it, Republicans decided to go home instead of working through the problem.

Windstorm insurance was a huge priority for Rick Perry.  The hard work and push doesn't mean much without the Department of Insurance.

Clearly, more on this story as it develops.

Speak Straus' Absolute Power

by: Matt Glazer

Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 10:52 AM CDT

A clarification on the choices that lay ahead today.

House rules do not provide for any kind of Calendar or sequence of bills to be considered.  Ironically, this may be the one time the Speaker's power to recognize is absolute.  According to one parliamentary aficionado, what happens today will depend on whom, if anybody, Straus chooses to recognize for a Motion to Suspend.  The Motion will require 2/3s.

The Speaker has not yet announced his intentions

Meanwhile, the Senate adjourned yesterday with upwards of 30 bills still to be considered.  Since they had suspended their deadline rules earlier in the week, they are free to work pending the recognition of the chair.

Republican Speaker, Joe Straus has already filed and stated his intent to be Speaker for the 82nd Legislative session.

You may remember last session when former Speaker Tom Craddick stated the Speaker of the Texas House had absolute power and could recognize members for a motion at his discretion. During this session, Speaker Straus has made the same claim to prevent key legislation to come to the floor during the legislative slow down last week.

Maybe that's how he got the new nickname Straddick?

Regardless, there is less than a day left in the 81st session.  Speaker Straus is the sole person responsible for any bill that lives or dies today. Keep that in mind as you watch the session, read tweets, hear bills pulled up, or read blogs and newspapers.

Speaker Straus is calling the shots today and his future and the future of Texas are in his hands.

Update: The Statesman proves the point.

Dear House Republicans - Swing Voters Don't Care About What You Care About

by: Phillip Martin

Thu May 28, 2009 at 03:53 PM CDT

Dear Republican Members of the Texas House of Representatives,

Swing Texas voters don't care about what you care about.

Since 2003, you have pushed highly partisan issues -- namely congressional redistricting, school vouchers, and voter ID -- to the forefronts of your legislative agendas. Throw in some gay-bashing and the bi-annual Pro Lifer contests, and your legislative agenda looks gets Rush Limbaugh so excited he has to double-up on his order of oxycontin just to cope with the pain of triumph.

I know Bob Perry's spokesperson -- who is so great at his job that Perry's personal state agency, the Texas Residential Construction Commission, will be abolished -- has you all riled up about how smart you were to "let" the D's talk for three days. I know that Paul Burka is still going to blame House Democrats for the fact that House Republicans refused nearly a dozen compromises to the voter ID bill -- even though both parties had agreed it shouldn't come to the floor unless there was a compromise. And I know that you're beside yourselves that you got to relive the Craddick glory days for at least one weekend.

I also know that you probably don't care that Speaker Straus proved himself to be a total pansy this past weekend. Remember these words:

"A house divided against itself cannot stand." This statement, that originated in the Bible, has been preached by Sam Houston and Abraham Lincoln, and it is appropriately used here today. The Texas House of Representatives cannot conduct the people's business if it is divided. And this is why I became a candidate for speaker.

I will try my best to empower members so that they can do what is right for their constituents and for the people of Texas. After all, that is why we are here.

For the next 140 days, the 150 of us have the important responsibility of representing 24 million Texans.

Yeah...turns out Straus couldn't lead his way out of a brown paper sack. No surprises, I guess.

But you, House Republicans -- probably still pretty pleased with yourselves. You got to be the "party of No" -- just like your national allies. You got to be obstructionists -- despite holding the Governor's office, the Senate, the House, and, well, every other office of importance, you proved to your constituents that you just couldn't get the job done.

You have (almost) killed CHIP expansion. You killed the unemployment insurance bill (saving Rick Perry the hassle of having to veto it). You did a little Tier 1 expansion of higher education (after the Legislative Study Group basically told you what needed to happen), but not much else with higher education.

And if you're thinking this will help you in the 2010 midterms -- think again. As Matt pointed out before, Democrats have only picked up seats since we went to Ardmore -- you really think that talking for a few days will be the thing that gets us beat? Get real.

Sure voter ID is popular -- but you know what is even more popular? Helping Texans who get screwed by insurance companies. Getting health care for Texas kids. Making college more affordable. Pick an issue -- you're not on the right side of it.

Keep crowing about voter ID as your silver bullet. You're going to need more ammo than voter ID in your gun if you plan on holding the House with Pinocchio Joe at the helm. A limosine Republican that couldn't get voter ID through the House and, in effect, may have killed a pro-life bill in the process? How are you all even going to get through the primaries?

Meanwhile, swing voters will continue resonating with the policies Texas Democrats have worked on all decade long. Keep working as obstructionists -- it is the easiest way for us to show you the way to the minority.

See you in the special!

Joe Straus Files for Re-Election as House Speaker

by: Karl-Thomas Musselman

Wed May 27, 2009 at 06:29 PM CDT

Of course, all of the following items were as a result deemed less important than Voter ID. Straus and the GOP set the agenda. They, along with the actions of Senate Republicans at the start of session, took actions which had a cascading effect across the legislative calendar.

* The electric co-op reform bill
* Eminent domain
* Averitt's clean air bill
* TDI sunset
* Enabling legislation for $5 billion in highway construction bonds
* Informed consent for abortion
* Solar energy incentive program
* Windstorm insurance (Hurricane season begins Monday)
* Dewhurst's overhaul of health care (SB 6, 7, 8 )
* Unemployment insurance
* Flores' enabling act creating a homestead exemption for disabled veterans
* Criminal asset forfeiture reform (to prevent the abuses that took place in Tenaha)
* Constitutional authorization for bonds for water projects and the state water plan
* Watson's renewable energy bill

So if you were to ask, what is is the House that Straus built- it's constructed of just one brick called Voter ID. Oh, and maybe a budget. But that's about it.

For other thoughts on what this might mean moving forward, I'll point you to read replies by Off the Kuff and Burka.

Pinocchio Joe Games the System

by: Matt Glazer

Tue May 26, 2009 at 06:33 PM CDT

Later, Straus indicated he might have, uh, misunderstood the question.

If it was a misunderstanding, it is a misunderstanding that cost the House several days work. Because if Straus had stuck with his original statement, Voter I.D. could have been called up, dispensed with on a point of order, and the House could have gone on to work on insurance reform and other issues.

But Straus and Republicans don't want to bring those bills up. It's clear they've gamed the calendar and the process to help their friends in the insurance industry, as well as Gov. Rick Perry who says he doesn't want to accept federal stimulus money for unemployment compensation -- another bill behind voter I.D. on the calendar.

Pinocchio Joe. The people's foe.