Simpson Says Why He Voted against Budget

LONGVIEW � Representative David Simpson (R-Longview) issued the following statement about the House budget passed Thursday night and his �nay� vote:

�Today the Texas House passed a budget with a $10 billion or 5.3% increase in spending over the current biennium continuing the growth of government. It also continues the longstanding practice of taxation with misrepresentation � collecting fees, surcharges, and taxes for one purpose and then using these dedicated funds to authorize other spending. I sought to amend the budget to reduce this egregious practice, but was unsuccessful. Much has been said about reforming this practice, but this budget continues its use without any substantial reform. We are counting on future legislatures to do what we should have done ourselves.

�Moreover, we again gave preference to corporate welfare and subsidies to industries such as Hollywood movie production over our schools, emergency services, and other core or constitutionally-mandated functions of government. Because of this unnecessary and substantial increase in government spending with wrong priorities I voted against the budget.�

Representative Simpson serves House District 7, which comprises Gregg and Upshur Counties.