Thread by @SamPohl1

The @TPPF panel Tough Calls on Shortfalls: The Fight to Preserve a Conservative Texas Budget is starting now with @VanceGinn @VoteGiovanni @repmarygonzalez and Mike Morrissey

Starting off with fun facts before jumping into discussing budget shortfalls.

On the BRE released Monday, @VoteGiovanni says “the feeling is that it’s better than I thought, better than most people thought. But still not good.” #txlege #PO2021

Morrissey follows note of optimism on BRE outlook by mentioning the possibility of a revision of the BRE during session.

Tune in here: texaspolicy.com/multimedia/art… #PO2021

.@VanceGinn asks whether funding for schools should be reduced as enrollment numbers are dropping due to COVID-19 or other factors.

.@VoteGiovanni says we need to find out why students are disappearing from schools.

@RepMaryGonzalez says we need to hold off on making big decisions. Take things day by day and revisit at a later.

Morrissey says cutting funding for schools not part of convo #PO2021

.@VanceGinn asks why we don’t put population+inflation into statute for budgeting in the future to keep budget conservative.

@RepMaryGonzalez says no. We need flexibility with the economy rapidly changing.

.@VoteGiovanni says making a conservative budget is good policy and having done so previously has helped minimize the current shortfall caused by COVID-19 #PO2021

.@VanceGinn quotes Friedman “govt spending is taxation.”

.@RepMaryGonzalez says we’ve always passed Conservative budget, we will continue to be able to do so.

Morrissey says the process is mindful of things that are meant to be one time and when things are meant to be ongoing when it comes to budgeting. #PO2021

Turning to audience Q&A: audience member asks how much of revenue specified is ear marked vs has discretion? Referring to BRE #PO2021 #TXLege

Another asks how we can be careful that we don’t set in motion something that would undermine our state? How can we keep taxpayers the priority? #PO2021

.@VoteGiovanni suggests the importance of civic engagement. Mentions that there are many avenues to contact and communicate with your lawmakers. #txlege

Morrissey says the facts outlined in the question are precisely why article 8 discussion is important.

Next audience question about stimulus - what are long term effects?

Rep. @VoteGiovanni says it’s important to rely on the private sector rather than government to stimulate the economy.

Morrissey says if Congress sends money, the best way to do it is without strings attached because Texas knows what Texas needs. #PO2021 #txlege