Gov. Perry Calls for an End to Budget Diversions from Transportation Projects

Irving, Texas - Gov. Rick Perry, in coordination with his Texas Budget Compact proposal to practice greater truth in budgeting, called for ending diversions from Fund 6 for non-transportation related projects in the upcoming legislative session. The governor was joined by Rep. Linda Harper-Brown to reiterate the state's commitment to providing greater budget transparency by spending taxpayer dollars for their intended purpose.

"Infrastructure is a major reason businesses decide to expand or relocate to Texas, and while we have been more than competitive in attracting employers, we have to keep up with demand," Gov. Perry said. "Bleeding that money off to other projects puts us at a disadvantage. Committing to the core conservative value of truth-in-budgeting will maintain our national economic standing."

"Governor Perry's Budget Compact is exactly the type of commitment hard working taxpayers need from their government at this time," said Harper-Brown. "Texans deserve a guarantee that their tax dollars will be spent wisely and the Compact is a great way to achieve this."

Gov. Perry has proposed the Texas Budget Compact as an opportunity to reset Texas' budgeting process and reiterate the state's commitment to being responsible stewards of tax dollars. The governor has also renewed his call to end delaying payments until the next budget.

In order to ensure continued growth and prosperity and a transparent budget while promoting 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.