East Texas businesses and families have tightened their budgets and made sacrifices since the economic downturn began more than two years ago.
Unemployment too high
Unemployment in East Texas in 2010 is unacceptably high.
The Governor this spring has directed each state agency to cut at least 5 % and now another 10% to close a revenue shortfall of 18 billion dollars.
And still, McReynolds is either in Austin or traveling around the state or talking to media half way across the state, wondering how, where, and how much he will cut his prison system budget and not endanger public safety.
Government Needs to Make Tough Decisions
I understand that many East Texans communities are economically impacted by the correction facilities in their areas.
The economic slowdown began in September of 2008 and now it is June 2010, and the politicians in Austin, like McReynolds, are still figuring out what local governments, families, and businesses have had to do for the last two years: make tough decisions.
What is taking so long?
It seems as if the incumbent is distracted. It seems as if the incumbent is more concerned about keeping prisons open in Abilene instead of opening new businesses in East Texas.
Often McReynolds talks about the 4.5% of Texans that are in criminal adjudication yet he has little to say about the 10% or more of Texans that are unemployed.
Our Unemployment Rates
In House District 12, Tyler County has an unemployment rate of 11.1% as of March of this year the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics says.
The latest unemployment stats comparing Texas to our 4 county district are as follows: Texas overall 8.3%, Angelina County 9.2%, San Jacinto County 11%, Trinity County 9.4%, and Tyler County 11.1%. Unemployment is higher in each of our counties than in the entire state of Texas.
House District 12 needs representation that shares its common interest. I live, work, and worship in this district. Not only will I go to Austin and hold the line on the budget and stop new taxes, but I want to work with local government and business leaders to stimulate economic growth and development.
James White
