FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "Today's revenue estimate vindicates Texas' decision to keep taxes and government spending low. The $14.3 billion surplus is far more money than state government needs, and those extra dollars should be returned to their rightful owners: Texas taxpayers. "Even after funding current services, the Legislature will have enough money left to buy down property taxes to the 70-cent level. "Between 1990 and 2005, non-federal state spending grew 25% after factoring for inflation and population growth. In times of prosperity such as Texas is now experiencing, the need for government services should be less, not more. Legislators have no excuse for a spending spree. "Six years ago, when the economy was slowing, the Legislature used virtually every penny of a $6 billion surplus to bankroll a 16% increase in the state budget. Because they did not exercise fiscal restraint, they returned in 2003 to a $10 billion shortfall." — 30 —