Topic: Texas State Budget
In chapter 7 we learn about the Texas State Legislature’s primary role in the state budget. In chapter 8 we learn about the various agencies and how they rely on funding from the legislature. Read this news article about the agency budget requests that help Glen Hegar (our comptroller) determine the state spending limit. This year, the agencies are being asked to complete two proposals – one with their anticipated expenses and a second that demonstrates how they will make cuts (10%), if needed.
1. What are some real world effects of budgets cuts that we have seen in the past in our state?
2. Which agencies seem to suffer the most when there are budget cuts?
3. If we are having trouble coming up with the funding to support our Texas agencies’ missions, where else do you think we could find or create some new streams of revenue?
Remember:
• You cannot get an A on this assignment unless all key arguments, facts, assertions and claims in both your primary and reply posts are substantively supported with high quality research citations.
• Always identify sources with both MLA in-text (parenthetical) citations and references (in a Works Cited section at the end of your posting).
• The minimum writing requirement must be met and exceeded using your own words (do not include cited information in your word count).
• Don’t forget to include your word count!
• Both the original and reply post must be submitted by the assignment due date in order to receive any credit for this assignment.
Each discussion activity involves an element of independent research and critical analysis. I will post the discussion question at the beginning of a unit. The questions will address your understanding of central themes in the textbook and your ability to think critically about the course material to apply it to real life situations. The intent is to go beyond the textbook. The minimum research criteria is one reputable source. You may use a scholarly article, but that is not necessary. Other examples of reputable sources include well known and trustworthy newspapers, news magazines, news websites, a court case or an actual law, and government websites. The course textbook, reference materials, Wikipedia, internet search engines, blogs and similar items are examples of unacceptable sources on the collegiate level. The minimum writing requirement