AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Democratic candidate for governor Bill White says Republican Gov. Rick Perry should use his power to release more information about the Texas budget shortfall.
White said Tuesday that a public company’s chief executive should provide revenue and expense estimates each fiscal year. White cited a letter by Democratic state Sen. Kirk Watson that asked state Comptroller Susan Combs to give a revenue update soon for the current and next two-year budget cycle.
The comptroller tells lawmakers how much they have available to spend and usually does it shortly before they convene in January. This January, lawmakers could face a revenue shortfall of up to $18 billion.
Perry said it’s “bizarre” to ask for a revenue update this early and that it will come at an appropriate time. He said the request seems politically motivated.
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