LBB Calls For Massive Cuts To State Services

Everyone has known for a while that there would have to be some cuts in the Texas state budget.   The state comptroller has said that a continuation of the current level of state services would result in a $27 billion shortfall.   About $7 billion in federal government stimulus funds would take care of some of that, but that still leaves about $20 billion to be made up somehow.

The state has nearly $9.4 billion in a "rainy day" fund.   The money was meant for situations like this where the state finds itself in a budget crunch (if it ain't raining now, it never will be).   Using that money would lower the budget deficit to around $11 billion.   A broadening of the sales tax base could take care of most of that (without raising the tax rate).   Doing both of those things would be an almost painless way to keep any state cuts to a minimum and maintain the current level of state services.

But that would make sense, and if there's anything Texas Republicans are loath to do, it is doing something sensible.   The Republican-dominated Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has decided that they shouldn't use the "rainy day" fund or broaden the sales tax base.   They recommend balancing the state budget by making massive cuts to state services -- cuts that will make life much harder for most ordinary Texans.

Texas schools are already in serious trouble, having to lay off teachers and staff.   Even though the state currently ranks nearly last among all states in the amount of money it provides schools per pupil, the LBB is recommending the state cut their already meager contribution by another whopping 13.1%.   This will certainly mean more layoffs and an increase in class sizes.   And it won't help a statewide dropout rate that is nearly 30%.

Then the LBB wants to cut 12.7% in criminal justice and public safety.   This would result in the closure of several institutions (prisons) in both the juvenile and adult systems.   Adding to the problem is the fact that they also want cuts in parole and community-based programs like probation.   This means criminals will have to be dumped back into the communities without the necessary supervision and/or help with jobs and treatment.

The LBB also wants to cut a massive 24.6% from health and human services programs.   This means less money to help the mentally retarded and mentally ill, both in institutions and community-based programs.   And it will mean less money for children's insurance and at least a 10% cut in Medicaid payments to doctors.   This will mean that even more doctors will refuse to accept Medicaid patients.   The state already leads the nation with over 26% of the population without health insurance, and that will just get worse now.   There will also be cuts in food stamps, child abuse programs, help for the blind, and elderly abuse programs.

Then we come to higher education.   Even though a college education is being priced out of the reach of many working and middle class students, the LBB wants to cut another 7.6% from state colleges and universities (and close at least four community colleges).   That means the colleges will have to raise tuition and fees even further, pricing many more out of an education.

The Republicans like to accuse liberals of engaging in a class war, but with these massive (and largely unnecessary) cuts they have declared war on ordinary Texas citizens.   They're not cutting any of the state's corporate welfare programs -- just the programs that are helping the citizens already hurt by this recession.   This is a stupid and mean-spirited approach to balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and working classes.

Let this be a warning to everyone who was thinking of moving to Texas because of the lies about the Texas economy being in good shape.   The Texas economy is in trouble, and this will only get worse as long as the Republicans are in charge.