Texas Legislature: Are They Really Worth It?

I think the Legislative Branch of the Texas State and Local Government should give all state employees equal benefits no matter what job position they hold. When Texas law makers decide to make a law change that will negatively effect workers, it never seems to effect those in the legislature.  The legislature only works for 140 days in a 2 year period and receives a $7,200 yearly salary or $14,400 for 140 days of work. In addition to their general salary, the legislature is paid a per diem (an allowance for each day) of $150 daily. A little over a year ago, the Texas Ethics Commission required the legislature’s daily stipend amount for food, travel, etc. be lowered.  It was originally $168 daily.  Yes, the legislature did have a budget cut, but again, this was not by their choice.   I totally understand why someone in an official position would not suggest a lower rate for themselves however; if they are going to make changes that affect other state workers, it should apply to them too.  It is only what is honest and right.  There should not be special exceptions just because they are the ones in control.  If all suggested budget cuts applied to them as well, maybe they would take a different approach to each situation and really think about the effect that change would have on the state and government. Retirement packages are where Texas’ Legislature really hit it big.  For just 10 years of service, law makers receive $28,750 annually for the duration of their lives. What I really have a problem with is the legislature reducing other employees salaries or laying them off while it has no effect on them.  If all budget cuts affected the legislature, they might re-think them for what is best for the community and state.

Is Blue The New Red?

While in San Antonio last week, President Barack Obama announced at a fundraiser that Texas will soon be a battleground state. Texas has been a Republican state since the late 1990’s. Obama feels that because of Texas’ changing demographics, Democrats will soon flood the state of Texas causing it to go blue.  This brings Democrats much hope.

Michael Hurta from the Burnt Orange Report shared his views on this situation in an article published July 21, 2012, titled “Texas Not a Battleground? Obama: ‘That's Going to be Changing Soon’.” Hurta takes the side of President Obama, agreeing that this change for Texas will happen soon. This statement is proved by Hurta stating, “The president has said so, and he has some pretty good political minds around him all the time. If you did not already believe it, believe it now.” It seems like Hurta is just agreeing with Obama because he is the president and because he knows there are other important, knowledgeable people that have influenced Obama’s statement.  I don’t feel like he is coming up with his own supporting facts. Yes, the president said so, but where are YOUR facts on this situation? I believe that there is always a chance Texas could go Democratic. Personally, I can see that the demographics are changing in Texas. I think slowly over time, Texas will shape into a more democratic state.  However; for right now, I think Texas is still a Republican state.  Hurta’s biggest focus on the article seems to be supporting the democratic presidential campaign in any way possible. I get the vibe that Hurta is quite excited about this possible change in the government and is planning to help get it started.  Possibly, the reason he chose to talk about this change is to rally people up to donate and raise money for the democratic party.  If you can give the people hope that their party will be in control, chances are they will be more willing to support. I think that is one of Hurta’s goals from this article.

What 10k Will Buy You These Days

On June 29, 2012, Kim Quaile Hill’s article was published in The Austin American Statesman on Governor Rick Perry’s goal to keep the costs of college degrees low. Hill supports Perry’s decision to have degree options for under $10,000. This includes books, tuition and other small fees.  She states it to be a “noble ambition.”  According to the article, there are only a limited number of public Texas universities that offer a few degrees at that price. This presents a small amount of choices for those only wanting to pay $10,000. Hill states that if a university is planning on creating degrees at such a price, they will need to “ditch most of their research missions, their nationally and internationally reputed faculty, their nationally ranked academic programs, and their graduate and professional programs.” Macon State is one university that has already done this. If you compare one of their $10,000 degrees to that of a higher costing degree program, the value of Macon’s does not hold much value. Hill’s main point is that “you get what you pay for.” I agree with all of the author’s points in this article.  I think this article was written with current or future college students in mind, but honestly, it applies to more than just college degrees. If you want quality, sometimes you have to be willing to pay more for it.  Hill’s credibility comes from serving as an Eppright Professor of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence and as a Cullen-McFadden Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University.

Perry vs. ObamaCare

The Daily Texan recently published an article on Governor Perry’s decision to opt out of President Obama’s new health care law.  The “ObamaCare” plan requires all citizens to have medical insurance. Perry believes this new health care plan for the United States will make citizens too dependent on the government for their needs. He also believes by participating in this expansion, it will create a deeper debt for our country.  I think this article is important to read because it educates the public on why Perry declined this law for our state. Texas is the fifth state to decline. Clearly there are other states that have the same viewpoints and have chosen to reject this law as well.