Vam De Putte Reacts To Governor’s State Of The State Address

[Press Release from Sen. Leticia Van De Putte (D-San Antonio), Chair, Texas Senate Democratic Caucus]

Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus, said the following today in response to the Governor’s State-of-the-State address:

“To the extent that Governor Perry is ready to reach across the aisle on issues of concern to Texas families, I applaud his efforts. We all have a moral obligation to work together for the benefit of all Texans.

“However, I would rather put matters like increased funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program on a fast track.  It’s time to replace the budget cuts so Texas children will get the health coverage they need.

“It’s time to stop balancing the budget on the backs of Texas’ most vulnerable citizens, and start funding crucial needs for those on health and human services waiting lists.

“We need to go beyond short term solutions on public education, and instead do more to create the best public school system in America. We cannot take money out of our neighborhood schools to pay for risky voucher schemes, and we cannot expect that our children will continue to have the best possible teachers until we bring their pay up to the national average.

“I want to return affordability to Texas’ colleges and universities by reigning in tuition costs and, instead of taking college financing out of reach for many, replace the budget cuts previously made to crucial financial aid programs such as Texas Grants.

“I support enhancing public safety by investing in proven rehabilitation and treatment programs for offenders, instead of wasting those tax dollars on costly prison construction we don’t need. We should not simply warehouse non-violent offenders only to see them commit additional crimes when released without adequate rehabilitation and treatment.

“Property tax cuts are good, and I have supported them because it’s the right thing to do. But cutting taxes should not be the legislature’s main priority as long as Texas is near the bottom of the list on so many crucial services.

“Texans will judge us on whether we prove by our actions that the real priority of Texas government centers on the real needs of Texas families. How we treat those Texans most in need, the extent to which we make public education the best in the nation, and how we make sure that Texans have access to affordable health care should be among our highest bipartisan priorities.”