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Calling all cars for Texas balanced budget boasts

By W. Gardner Selby
February 24, 2014

David Dewhurst, seeking re-election as lieutenant governor, said on Twitter this weekend that he balanced six budgets without raising taxes.

We haven’t checked that precise statement. But we’re familiar with state lawmakers touting how they personally kept spending in line. Notably, the Texas Constitution requires each budget to be balanced. Also, it’s fair to say that no single lawmaker merits credit for fulfilling that mandate.

Dewhurst isn’t alone in talking up his budgetary role. Now we seek your help in compiling similar budgetary claims by candidates on the March primary ballots. Write us here if you spot one? Or, nudge us via Twitter and Facebook.

See Dewhurst’s tweet to the right where we’ve also piled up some of our past fact checks gauging the accuracy of state budget claims.

Our Sources

See compiled fact checks.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by W. Gardner Selby
Donald Trump
stated on October 22, 2018 in a rally for Republican candidates in Houston:
Says Beto O’Rourke "voted to shield MS-13 gang members from deportation."
Mostly False
Ted Cruz
stated on September 21, 2018 in a debate at Southern Methodist University:
Says Beto O’Rourke described police as "modern-day Jim Crow."
Mostly False
Beto O'Rourke
stated on September 21, 2018 in a debate at Southern Methodist University:
Says he "did not try to leave the scene of the accident" that led to his arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Mostly False
Ken Paxton
stated on August 26, 2018 in an interview on Fox & Friends:
Says Texas has "had over 600,000 crimes committed by illegals since 2011. Over 1,200 homicides."  
Pants on Fire!
Ted Cruz
stated on August 28, 2018 in an online video ad:
Says Beto O’Rourke "voted against" Hurricane Harvey "tax relief."
Mostly True
M.J. Hegar
stated on August 21, 2018 in an interview on Spectrum Cable's "Capital Tonight":
Says U.S. Rep. John Carter "hasn’t held a town hall in five years."
Mostly True
Beto O'Rourke
stated on July 26, 2018 in an ad in the Houston Defender:
Says "black Americans have 10 times less wealth than white Americans."
Mostly True

Calling all cars for Texas balanced budget boasts

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