Gov. Perry Calls for Greater Truth in Budgeting

Fort Worth, Texas - Gov. Rick Perry called on Texas lawmakers to practice greater truth in budgeting during the upcoming legislative session. The governor was joined by Rep. Mark Shelton and Rep. Bill Zedler.

"There is no such thing as ‘extra' money when it's coming out of the pockets of taxpayers," Gov. Perry said. "We owe it to Texans to create a budget process that's more honest and transparent by making the tough decisions Texans make every day, and presenting a truly balanced budget free of IOUs and accounting maneuvers."

"I hold a strong commitment to both the constituents of Tarrant County and taxpayers of Texas to balance the state's budget without raising taxes and reduce unnecessary or duplicative government spending," Rep. Shelton said. "In the last legislative session, I worked hard to make those cuts and increase efficiencies in our government. I look forward to working with our governor to create an even stronger state budget."

Gov. Perry urged lawmakers to use the upcoming legislative session as an opportunity to reset Texas' budgeting process and put an end to budgetary maneuvers that produce only short-term solutions. The governor renewed his call to end delaying payments till the next budget, and to reduce the use of fees and dedicated accounts for anything other than the purpose for which the fees were collected.

In order to ensure continued growth and prosperity, an honest and transparent budget, and promote a more limited government, the governor has called on lawmakers to commit to the following five key principles of the Texas Budget Compact:

•Practice Truth in Budgeting
•Support a Constitutional limit of spending to the growth of population and inflation
•Oppose any new taxes or tax increases, and make the small business tax exemption permanent
•Preserve a strong Rainy Day Fund
•Cut unnecessary and duplicative government programs and agencies

For more information about the Texas Budget Compact, please visit: http://gov.texas.gov/txbudgetcompact.

For more information about Texas' economy and jobs market, please visit: http://www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com/resources/files/texas-brags.pdf.