Dear Editor,
WHY I AM LOSING FAITH IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
The Republican Party has been in control of Texas since George Bush defeated Ann Richards in 1995. During this time, Texas has turned its back on those in Texas who need help the most-the poor, school children, and children who need Child Protection Services the most.
Child Protective Services is the latest example of poor government management by Republican administrations. They profess outrage over each shameful failure of CPS, but do not provide enough funding or the impetus to change CPS. Despite poor pay and huge workloads for CPS staffers, the Lieutenant Governor, only under extreme pressure, said he would ask for raises as well as increases in workers numbers. Let’s see where this goes when the Legislature assembles. If Republicans are so interested in the sanctity of life, why not do more to protect those who are already born and live in horrific environments? I am pro-life to the core but women who have abortions should not be demonized, but loved and helped. Why not address one of the root causes of unwanted pregnancies by providing science based schools? ‘Just Abstain’ is not getting the job done. We have lost the fight again Accept it and work with the means that are available to prevent unwanted abortions.
The Lieutenant Governor is proposing a bill to remove set asides in college 10-20% surcharge on tuition that is set aside for use in grants and scholarships cannot afford to go to college. These grants are available to the poor but also parents make up to $50,000 per year. The removal of these grants would prevent thousands of students from attending college, when Texas needs an educated work force the most. The Lieutenant Governor says that this would effectively lower tuition for all the other students. How many people believe that? Nor will the state provide more funds for more grants to offset this loss. Another example: some state leadership wants to deny non-citizens in-state tuition rates. How short-sighted is that?
School finance is another area where state leadership has abdicated their responsibility. The state’s duty is to provide proper schools for our children. In the interest of lowering taxes, the Republican leadership has sent school finance down to the county level, as well as installing the illegal Robin Hood scheme. Local school taxes are becoming so burdensome that they endanger home ownership in some areas.
Social Services in the state of Texas is another neglected area of need. This is more than overseeing neglected or abused children. The needs of children and adults with psychological and mental deficiencies can be overwhelming to a family. A violent disturbed child or young adult can cause all sorts of stress. The wait times for homes for special needs people can be 2 years. During this time they have to cope in any way they can, often with the help of the police.
The Republican leadership has lived by the mantra of lowering taxes. And now they have to look over their shoulders at the Tea Party. To provide quality support for the most needy, we may actually have to RAISE taxes. The state gasoline tax in Texas is 20 cents per gallon and has not been raised in 20 years. With gas prices fluctuating all the time, people would not notice, nor suffer from, a 5 cent increase.
The governor is spending millions unnecessarily by sending highway patrol and game warden personnel to the border to write speeding tickets and apprehend a few drug dealers. They are not preventing illegal immigration. This started as a grandstand play to try to shame the Democratic president, so why continue it now? Why not use that money to protect the children of Texas?
We need statesmen in our state government who are interested in the state and it’s vulnerable, instead of toeing a party line and worrying about re-election. Sadly we see few statesmen on the horizon. We need to do the RIGHT THING for the state and nation, no matter whom it helps or who gets a few more voters in their party.
Willie Ward
Fairfield, Texas
