FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 12, 2010
Contacts: Randy Samuelson (512) 463.0356
State Representative Ken Paxton Appointed to the
House Select Committee on Fiscal Stability
(Austin) - This week, Representative Ken Paxton was appointed to the newly created House Select Committee on Fiscal Stability by Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus. The Committee will assess Texas' ability to meet its current and future budget obligations and analyze whether the shortfall is due to the current recession alone or more systemic problems. Representative Paxton is one of 15 House members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Fiscal Stability.
In response to the appointment, Representative Ken Paxton said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on this important committee. Taxpayers have elected us to set the state budget, which is the most important function of the State Legislature. Given the recent downturn in our economy, we must serve our constituents by working to ensure prudent spending of taxpayer dollars to fund core government responsibilities while sparing taxpayers from additional financial burdens."
While Texas has fared better than most states, our declining revenue is cause for concern. Major budgetary demands coupled with declining revenues and increased population growth will substantially strain the State's budget next cycle. In order to address this problem next legislative session, this committee will evaluate the root cause of these shortfalls to determine if the recent and anticipated shortfalls are simply the product of the ongoing recession or whether state resources simply cannot keep pace with increasing demands. Additionally, the Committee will offer solutions to address our growing economic problem.
"Texas is currently one of the few states in the nation that did not experience a budget deficit in 2009. With continued fiscal discipline, limited government growth, and low taxes, Texas can remain a leader and an example for the rest of the country to follow. I look forward to promoting these conservative principles next legislative session," concluded Paxton.
Pol. Adv paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign, 5613 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071
