http://www.statesman.com/news/content/gen/ap/TX_State_Surplus.htmlThe state treasury has $4.3 billion more than lawmakers have budgeted to spend over the next two years, Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn told state leaders Wednesday.
The surplus is the largest in Texas in several years. In contrast, lawmakers wrote the 2004-05 budget in the face of a $10 billion revenue shortfall. Current projections indicate that the surplus will grow even larger over the biennium as the result of
larger-than-expected tax revenue from consumer spending and higher oil and gas prices.Perry's office attacked Strayhorn for the surplus and said she should have known about the additional money months ago.
"This comptroller can't count," said Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt.
The Strayhorn campaign called the statement "a blatant lie."
Higher oil and gas prices have meant a windfall for the state, so you think the state is going to do anything about it? Like investigating possible collusion between the oil companies. Hell no.
What's up with that headline too? The word "facing" usually means a bad thing. If the state had a $10 billion shortfall then they would be "facing a $10 billion shortfall". How about "State finds $4.3 billion surplus under their legislative couch cushions". How about "Oil and gas company collusion nets the State and extra $4.3 billion; Perry looks the other way"
Oh yeah and Carole 4Names and MoFo Perry are snipping at each other again, and that's a good thing. :evilgrin:
Sonia