Editor,

We are so fortunate to live in Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s district. The recent stimulus bill will direct millions of dollars to Texas to support our firemen, policemen and teachers.

Congressman Doggett led the efforts to include an amendment that would prohibit Texas from diverting those funds to other budgets as happened in the previous stimulus package.

Bastrop County lost $3 million dollars to diverted funds. Our public servants could have benefited from that money.

I am ashamed of Texas’ rankings in health care and education. Our children are leaving high school without being able to read, write or do simple math. They are ill prepared to enter the workforce.

The State of Texas is facing an enormous budget shortfall in the next fiscal year. Let’s face the problem head on rather than wasting time placing blame.

We are going to have to raise taxes. There are no more services to cut.

Linda Laughinghouse
Red Rock