Gov. Rick Perry is making no promises that Texas will roll back any of the deep state spending cuts imposed during past economic doldrums -- not even $5.4 billion sliced from public schools.
The governor says the state has no obligation to restore funding levels reduced in 2011, even as a stronger economy has given the state Legislature more money to work with as it reconvenes this week.
Perry had breakfast Wednesday with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus. All three spoke of unity, promising to make cutting taxes a priority.
But Dewhurst then broke ranks somewhat and promised that more funding would go to public education.
Straus has already promised to increase funding to schools enough to cover enrollment growth -- requiring an extra $2 billion.
