Governor Rick Perry debuted his Texas Budget Compact on Monday. The Budget Compact is a pledge to cut spending, oppose any new taxes or tax increases and strictly limit the future expansion of government. Perry also called for an end to accounting tricks used to balance the state budget as well as the preservation of the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
Former Sen. Carlos Truan (D-Corpus Christi) passed away at the age of 76. Truan served more than three decades in the Texas Legislature, including 27 years in the Texas Senate. He was a member of the “Killer Bee” movement that brought action in the Senate chamber to a standstill for several days in 1979 over legislation that would have required separate primaries for the presidential race and for the state races.
Alan Steen, administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, is leaving the agency to become executive director of the National Cutting Horse Association. Steen has served as TABC Administrator since 2003.
Governor Rick Perry has appointed former TCEQ Commissioner Buddy Garcia to the Texas Railroad Commission. Garcia’s term expires at the end of the general election in November when a new commissioner will be elected.
Judge John Dietz has set the trial date for the consolidated school finance lawsuit against the State of Texas. The trial will begin October 22nd in Austin.