Texas has been hit by the recession too but it’s unemployment rate at around 8% is two points lower than the national average. And perhaps more important, it has one of the lowest debts ($50B compared with the nearly bankrupt California’s debt of around $640B).Texans figure the $7,200 a year they pay their state lawmakers is plenty. "They've got more government in Texas than they want at $600 per month," [said] Texas Gov. Rick Perry ...
... "When you have a full-time legislature, they just feel pretty inclined to be doing something. So they are going to dream up new laws, new regulations and new statutes -- and generally all of those cost money," Perry said.
Compare:
Texas - population 22 million, GDP $1.2 trillion, income taxes $0While there’s more to running a country than a state, the Texas model would be worth aiming for. And the provinces should certainly take a close look.
Canada - population 32 million, GDP $1.3 trillion, income taxes $big
They probably have death taxes, though.
ReplyDeletei be for fewer sitting days and fewer members. texas has it right.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is grateful that we do not get all the government that we pay for, I find the Texas model most appealing.
ReplyDeleteBut imagine the outcry from those who equate "democracy" with "more taxes on you and more spending on me" if someone suggested Texas-style lawmaking...
Hey L, time value of money theory tells you that paying taxes later rather than sooner is more profitable for the taxpayer. (real conservative)
ReplyDeleteAlthough Texas, like the other states, pay for their National Guard, the weather and size of Texas says a lot about what their government needs to spend on infrastructure and deal with only one season. Compare these simple facts, and sure, we need to trim our government, but this really is comparing bananas to tomatoes.
ReplyDelete