By J. Lyn Carl for GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX – "It is not the state of our state that concerns me, it is the state of our government," said Gov. Rick Perry today in his State of the State address before a joint session of the Texas Legislature.
The governor outlined a number of proposals aimed at streamlining state programs and balancing the budget - and pledged to achieve both goals without a tax increase.
"We must separate wants from needs, identify the core priorities and put the common interest ahead of the narrow special interests," said the governor.
Perry cited a number of accomplishments of his administration - increased college enrollment figures, increased participation in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), efforts to decrease energy dependence and increase non-polluting energy sources and a number of success stories in the state's economic development.
Perry said the state has built a high tech society that is the envy of many. "The future is Texas," he said, noting Texans' "surplus of spirit, optimism and compassion."
"The state of the state is strong," said Perry.
Saying no government has ever taxed or spent its way to greater prosperity, Perry outlined a new approach and new direction for state government. His three priorities, he said, are the education of the state's children, the security of all Texans and the fiscal responsibility of state government.
Perry touted his zero-based budget as a means of justifying and prioritizing state spending. He said government should reflect the state's values and priorities.
The governor outlined a number of ways the state could save money, including:
- Save $1.7 billion by adopting many of State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn's e-Texas ideas
- Save $500 million by redirecting Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund dollars to increase technology allotment for schools
- Save $1.1 billion by improving estimates of higher education income, reducing special item projects and asking community colleges to pay a proportionate share of insurance costs
- Save $3.8 billion by reducing state agencies' appropriations levels for 2003 by 9 percent
- Generate $700 million in additional tax revenue by closing tax loopholes and changing the collection of the gas tax.
Perry said his office will be releasing later today other cost-saving measures for state government.
"Starting from zero, every dollar spent by government must be prioritized," said Perry. "Leaders must not do what is easy, but what is right."
Perry also proposed creating a Texas Enterprise Fund as a means of expanding the state's economy. The program would be funded with $390 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund. "The best way to avert future rainy day scenarios is to grow our economy," he said. "Investing in jobs is the wiser course of our future."
Perry also addressed other priorities for the 78th Legislature - an end to insurance fraud, unfair pricing and lowering homeowner insurance rates; allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to build a 21st Century transportation system that meets clean air obligations; reforming medical malpractice laws; providing homeland security; and reforming the state's system of public school finance.
"We must work until a solution is found, because the era of Robin Hood must come to an end," Perry said of the state's school finance plan.
"This will be a difficult session," said Perry to members of the legislature, noting they will face many hurdles during their deliberations. "Let's not allow partisanship to be one of those hurdles."
"Neither party has a patent on virtue," he said. "What matters most if what's best for Texas."
For the prepared text of Gov. Perry's speech, click here.