Perry Says He Will Not Sign Budget Without Tax Cut

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry says he won't sign a new state budget that does not include a tax cut.

Perry spoke to reporters Monday after meeting with Republican members of the Texas House of Representatives.

The governor has proposed a $1.6 billion tax cut after the Texas economy bounced back from recession. He said taxpayers deserve some of the state's surplus revenue. But lawmakers have so far not included a tax cut in their budget plans. Legislators have instead opted to boost spending for public schools.

Perry also asked lawmakers to tap the state's Rainy Day Fund to use $2 billion to set up a water infrastructure fund. He said spending regular state revenue was a bad choice, even as conservative activists called on Republican lawmakers to choose that route.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

• Dozens Feared Dead, Hundreds Injured In Fertilizer Plant Explosion
• FAA Furloughs Impact Passengers & Businesses
• Funeral Services Set For Dallas Fire Captain Killed In West
• Texas Rocked By Fertilizer Plant Explosion
• West Residents Wait; Pray For Missing

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

• PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
• PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade
• PHOTOS: Pope Francis I