By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-878890.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Governor Rick Perry is calling for constitutional amendments to limit tax increases and state spending. KERA's BJ Austin says the Governor rolled out his fiscal responsibility plan a week ahead of KERA's first televised primary debate with rivals Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina.
At a stop in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Governor announced plans to recommend two constitutional amendments he says will protect Texas taxpayers. One would require a supermajority, or two thirds vote, of the Legislature to raise any taxes. The other would limit state spending to inflation and population growth rates. Governor Perry says Texas needs to exert fiscal discipline as Washington expands programs that "pile up debt".
Perry: These two sensible amendments will essentially engrave our proven fiscal discipline into the bedrock of state law, expressing out commitment to taxpayer protection in the clearest forms.
Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign says the Governor is just recycling old 2006 budget reform proposals.
Candidate Debra Medina says the Governor's ideas aren't new: Republicans have championed limited government for years.
At stops in Fort Worth, Lubbock and Midland, Governor Perry also announced plans for a statewide Inspector General to establish uniform accountability standards, and weed out fraud and waste in state agencies.
KERA will provide the first televised Governor's Republican primary debate January 14th from the University of North Texas campus.