What Republican Gov. Rick Perry and his Democratic challenger, Bill White, say about the state's looming budget deficit:
RICK PERRY
Plays down talk of a state budget shortfall projected to reach as much as $25 billion. Has ruled out tax increases. Generally says the Legislature should balance the budget the way it did in 2003 – with cuts, not tax increases. Those actions included dropping 180,000 youngsters from the Children's Health Insurance Program, reducing teacher insurance benefits, raising fees and delaying payments to schools and Medicaid reimbursements to doctors.
BILL WHITE
Hasn't endorsed – or ruled out – tax increases. Says he wants to ask agencies how workloads can be reallocated among employees to cut down on cost; look at contracts and see which ones have price-escalator clauses that should be renegotiated based on changes in the market; and look at all the overhead costs of government – such as security, energy and health benefits. Is willing to consider eliminating "outdated" tax exemptions, though he hasn't named any.
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