An article from Associated Press by Betsy Blaney of Lubbock claims the drought has already cost Texas farmers and ranchers 1.5 billion dollars. No end is in sight. Parts of Texas have received almost no rain since last August. If it continues this will be the driest, costliest season in Texas farming history!
While this is happening Texas legislature is battling to produce a state budget. It has some huge cuts in it. Some lawmakers have called for use of the Rainy Day Fund. This is a savings fund of almost 10 billion dollars for times of extreme emergency. Many feel such a time is now. A bill is headed for the governor's desk to allow usage of 3.19 billion from the savings account. It may or may not be signed,
The political part of all this is beyond me. The name isn't. Why would a fund for emergencies be called a "rainy day" fund? Some rainy days would be a blessing. They would be answered prayer. Isn't the name of this fund a bit antiquated for arid Texas? I contend for consideration a name change for this rather impressive fund. Let's call it the "We're Busted" fund. That pretty well covers the subject. Like many other states right now, "We're Busted". Overspending, economic matters, war, oil,graft,and a thousand other things have brought us to a point where "We're Busted" is appropriate.
When the potential of the worst drought in our agri history looms on the near horizon it seems a "Rainy Day" fund is un-necessary. A "We're Busted" is needed, and we have it. Millions have exhausted their savings during these difficult times. Why not the State as well?
Now you see why I don't get into political matters. I hope this isn't.
