Texas erases $4 billion from education budget, spends it on a giant highway expansion

[marmar]

from Grist:



Texas erases $4 billion from education budget, spends it on a giant highway expansion

by Christopher Mims
25 May 2011 10:27 AM


What does the world need most, in this age of high gas prices and rampant carbon emissions? A 28-mile expansion of highway between Dallas and Denton, Texas! At least, that’s what Texas thinks. Thankfully, the state has freed up just enough money for this crucial project by gutting its education budget. Hey, whatever -- Texas' children can always get jobs as day laborers building these highways.

If you're confused about the price tag for 28 miles of highway -- $4.4 billion -- it's because the road would be expanded to 14 lanes. A recently completed commuter rail line along the same corridor cost $313 million. Surely spending the same money on five more of them, with with a couple billion left over, would be a better use of funds?

Anyway, if you think this is insane, just wait until things like this start happening at the federal level. In case you hadn't heard: Texas Governor Rick Perry is the dark horse candidate for a future run at the White House.


http://www.grist.org/list/2011-05-25-texas-erases-4-billion-from-education-budget-spends-it-on-a-gian

[sakabatou]

1. Marching proudly to the bottom

[kenfrequed]

2. Not surprised at all

Let me know how that works for you in about 12 years or so. Short sighted idiots.

[Kolesar]

3. "Texas is like Mississippi, with great highways"

--Molly Ivins

[okasha]

4. The Texas Lege and sanity

parted company a long time ago.

I miss Molly.