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With Texas' budget problems likely to far exceed the modest estimates put forward by the administration of Republican Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant governor David Dewhurst, of course a Republican as well, has made a proposal to address some infrastructure needs.
It is obvious to anyone driving on Texas roads and highways that there is a huge need for repairs and expansion to help alleviate traffic. Dewhurst wants to supplement the $8 billion dollar annual budget of the Texas Department of Transportation, not by raisng taxes, anathema to Republicans, but by an increase in vehicle registration fees.
Dewhurst claims this is not the same as raising taxes. Of course it is a regressive tax which will hit low income Texans much harder than those with higer incomes.
Dewhurst is considered to be the most wealthy member of the state government with an estate of more than $200 million. He is also widely expectesd to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2012.
