Unwelcome news in the Travis county budget - a large property tax increase is coming our way:

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/travis-county-preliminary-budget-proposal-unveiled-826932.html.

Since the Democrats took control of Congress in January 2007, the U.S. has lost over 7 million jobs. Since Obama was elected in November 2008, the U.S. has lost over 4 million jobs. We have more long-term unemployed people than we've had in generations, and it will take years to get back to the number of jobs America had when Obama was elected. For too many, even here in Austin, Texas, it's hit close to home.

Texas State Representative Ken Paxton sent a recent communication talking about "opportunities to balance our State budget without raising taxes while also ensuring that we are able to adequately fund our essential functions of government." In it, he talks about education tax credit scholarships: 

Some liberals are criticizing Governor Perry by saying "Texas has a $18 billion deficit." Correction: Texas does NOT have an $18 billion deficit. Texas has a balanced budget requirement in its State Constitution; it's not allowed to run into the red. Texas has a projected shortfall of up to $18 billion for the next biennial budget. It may come in that high, it may come in lower.

District 50 extends from northwest Austin, north Austin, Wells Branch, most of Pflugerville, and some parts of northeast Travis county.

If you are not sure whether you live in district 50, this handy link can help you find out: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Here is a map of the district (PDF).