$21 billion: Toll of Perry’s negligence rising
Lawmakers reveal true size of growing budget deficit
HOUSTON — Texans face the consequences of Rick Perry’s deliberate negligence of our budget deficit, as state leaders for the first time tallied the budget deficit at nearly $21 billion, the Dallas Morning News reports.
"Rick Perry can run but he can’t hide from his budget failure. Perry did not plan ahead and delayed starting budget cuts until the day after a primary debate this year. Perry’s been purposefully negligent on the budget, trying to hide the truth to protect himself and his political career," said Katy Bacon, campaign spokesperson.
On Friday, Perry was forced to admit to the fiscal crisis, but he attempted to lay the blame on his favorite scapegoat, Washington, to hide the truth about his record of nearly doubling state spending and doubling state debt.
Perry even suggested that it wasn’t a "good use of the comptroller’s time" to provide budget estimates to lawmakers ahead of one of the most important legislative sessions in a generation.
Footage of Perry’s budget confessions is available at: http://www.youtube.com/billwhitefortexas#p/u/6/AdZejVko76M.
"Any CEO trying to hide the facts like Perry would be fired," said Bacon. "It’s time for the governor to stop hiding the books and come clean to Texans about the nearly $21 billion budget deficit."
As Houston’s mayor, Bill White immediately began planning for the recession in 2008, letting attrition work, finding new efficiencies and renegotiating contracts. As a result, Houston is better prepared financially to weather the recession than other major cities.
Contact:
Katy Bacon
press@billwhitefortexas.com