There is a structural budget shortfall the Texas legislature will have to deal with next session. That is a fact. A fact, that until recently, was never in doubt. In fact, the only doubt was how large the shortfall would be when the legislature reconvened.
Rick Perry apparently doesn't want to admit there is even a shortfall.
"Rick Perry's in denial. He refuses to tell the truth about the budget hole he helped create. The whole rationale for his reelection campaign has been that Texas is on firm financial footing, and now that's crumbling right before his eyes," said Katy Bacon, campaign spokesperson.
Rick Perry doesn't want to debate and now he doesn't even want to admit there is a problem. Obviously, the first step to finding a solution is admitting there is a problem.
The press has reported the problem over and over again. Members of the moderate wing of Rick Perry's own party admit there is a problem. The legislative budget board, admits there is a problem. Republican comptroller, Susan Combs, admits there is a problem. Economist across the country admit there is a problem. To date, only Mark Miner and Rick Perry refuse to accept or acknowledge there is at least a $20.6 billion budget shortfall. And that problem seems to be growing ever day.
"Like you, we will have to make some very tough choices next session," he said. "I've asked members of the House to keep that in mind as they work on developing a balanced, no-new-taxes budget -- especially as we contemplate how to bridge a budget gap at the state level that is projected by the House to be at least $18 billion."
Other economic news Rick Perry is probably ignoring right now.
From Quorum Report, the Texas unemployment rate continues to climb and now sits at 8.4%.
This is why we need a debate. Rick Perry should come clean to Texans and stop lying to the press, voters and himself. We have serious economic problems and denial isn't a solution.
