Posts Tagged ‘cuts’
Ahead to the Past
Our most basic social programs are under attack.GRAYSON HARPER
Boy. Lately I’ve been having this eerie feeling of waking up in a strange place.
Downwinders Spread Wings
StaticThe group that made its name fighting against the toxic muck spewed from Midlothian cements kilns is now climbing into the ring with natural gas drillers. In this corner: Downwinders At Risk, a nonprofit environmental group tha...
Cutting the Economy to Ribbons
Rick Perry says a no-new-taxes budget is good for business in Texas – but is it?GAYLE REAVES
Gov. Rick Perry’s press releases have been practically bursting with pride lately, as a Texas Legislature with a heavy Republican majority has passed bill after bill dear to his heart and political aspirations –– especial...
Fiddling, Burning
Politicians are mugging while Texas’ future goes up in flames.DAVE McNEELY
The lobbyist walked out of the capitol, disgustedly shaking his head. “It’s the worst session I’ve ever seen,” said the lobbyist, a former legislator of more than a decade. “Everybody over there’s scared to death.
The Emperor’s New Budget
Maybe Perry’s school didn’t have money to teach math.DAVE McNEELY
It’s time for the state to tighten its belt, wrote Talmadge Heflin, former chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Texas House of Representatives, back in February.
The Deficit Monster
How did Texas get so far down in this financial hole?STORY BY VINCE LEIBOWITZ PHOTOS BY JOHN OEFFINGER
In 2006, Texas had a multi-billion-dollar budget surplus. Under state court order — yet again — to come up with a school finance system that would provide decent funding for poor districts without unduly robbing from rich o...
Union, FWSO Come to Agreement
LEONARD EUREKAReflecting the downward financial spiral in arts groups nationally, members of the local American Federation of Musicians union has just ratified a new two-year contract with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra that cuts players...
Equity and Philanthropy
Good: Billionaires giving away money. Better: Billionaires supporting tax reform.JAMES RUSSELL
Last month, 40 billionaires from around the United States announced that they had signed “The Giving Pledgecis,” an initiative started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates, stating their plans to donate the majority...
Overloading the Seesaw
Fort Worth’s parks program is falling behind.DAN MCGRAW
When Fort Worth voters passed a bond package in 2004, it included funds for a community recreation center in North Fort Worth. Lance Griggs, president of the Summerfields Neighborhood Association, thought that the community cen...
Cut Out
DAN MCGRAWFor those outside the ‘hood, the perception of late night youth programs at city community centers is that of older teenagers shooting hoops — you know, would-be gangbangers who are staying off the streets and away ...