Thanks Mr. Bill: Houston Libraries Reducing Hours Because Of Budget Mess White Created

For 32 days liberal trial lawyer Bill White has hidden the truth from Texans by refusing to release his income taxes for his years in public service. As a result Texans have no way of knowing how much outside income White made while mayor of Houston. What is known is that White’s fiscal mismanagement of Houston created a budget mess affecting all areas of the city, including libraries.

From today’s Houston Chronicle:

Hammered by $2.2 million in budget cuts, the Houston Public Library system this month will reduce its hours by 28 percent — closing most of its 42 branches on Saturdays — and trim expenditures for library materials. The reductions, marking the first time in seven years that hours of operation have been cut, come as patronage of the library continues to grow. During the past year, in-person visits to library branches increased 13 percent and borrowing of library materials rose 15 percent. … The series of cuts to the library's $39.3 million budget came as the city of Houston tightened its belt in the face of a budget shortfall of $12 million to $20 million for the current fiscal year. The city deficit for the fiscal year beginning in July is expected to reach $100 million.

(SOURCE: “Budget forcing cuts in library hours,” Houston Chronicle, 4/8/10)

“It’s unfortunate that parents and children will be denied access to libraries because of Bill White’s fiscal mismanagement of Houston,” said Texans for Rick Perry spokesman Mark Miner. “Stop hiding your tax returns, Mr. Bill, and apologize to the children of Houston for reducing their library hours.”