My LTTE to the Houston Chron re: cancellation of TX assistance program

[Richardo]

Let's see if it gets published....

So it's come to this. The ‘compassionate conservatives’ in the Texas Legislature seize funds intended to help the poorest Texans pay for their electricity and divert them to the general fund to close a budget shortfall. All this in one of the hottest summers on record.

The average 'burden' on Texas rate payers to provide this assistance is $0.65 per month, or $7.80 per year. If this miniscule amount of money is really needed to close a budget gap, the Legislature should have the moral courage to levy the taxes necessary to close it.

I'm personally ashamed that the poorest among us must be made to suffer to balance the budget. Those of us blessed with the ability to pay such a modest amount should do so willingly, in service to our less-fortunate fellow citizens.

Incidentally, I’d like to know how much of the budget shortfall is due to the cost of Governor Perry’s numerous 'special sessions’ that have not produced anything except a waste of precious resources.

If this is truly the best solution the Legislature can come up with – if they are so cowed by cry-baby ‘tax reformers’, so lacking in moral and political courage that they cannot ask us to chip in an extra $7.80 in a YEAR, then I hope they are proud of themselves. I know I’m not, and I’ll be looking for some moral fiber in the next election.

Signed,

(Richardo)

[lostnfound]

1. That's great! You've inspired me..

to do the same. Especially since Perry brags about all the money made available ("Enterprise Fund") for corporate subsidies like Cabalas.

[Richardo]

2. Right on, lostnfound

:hi: Houstonian!

[tibbir]

3. Thanks for an excellent letter. Interesting to see if it gets published.

I'm one of the "lucky duck" poor who've benefited from the Light Up Texas program the past few years. It's not a lot of money but on my income everything helps.

It makes me sick that the damned legislature chases its tail trying to pass property tax relief for wealthy Texans while taking away from people actually in need.

They weren't successful in shifting the property tax burden to an increase in sales tax (that'll hit people who spend all of their money on consumables disproportionately).

Compassionate conservatives. Gotta love 'em.