Question 1: Texas has what type of budget process? Thoroughly describe and analyze. Do you agree why/why not?
Question 2: Identify current key public policy issues in the state of Texas.
Question 3: What is policy issue networks, why are they important in Texas and give examples.
Question 4: Explain the role and significance of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) in the State of Texas.
Question 5: Describe and evaluate the 1980 Court case Ruiz v. Estelle. What impact did it have on Texas?
Question 6: Identify the major classifications of crime under Texas law and the types of punishment that may be imposed.
Question 7: Identify and describe at least two recent TEXAS criminal justice reforms.
Question 8: In your own words describe a regressive tax policy. What are your thoughts on this type of policy?
Question 9: In Texas identify and describe two non tax budgetary revenues.
Question 10: Texas is considered a low taxes with lower-levels of services state. Some of those services can include public education, access to healthcare, higher education tuition assistance, job training, public transportation etc.
Question 11: What are the Trade-offs in establishing these types of public policies? Do you agree with them? Why or why not? Defend your answer
Essay Question 1:
Describe the major sources of revenue for Texas and the three major areas of state expenditures. Be detailed and use examples. Does any of this information surprise you? Why/why not? Be detailed in your findings.
Essay Question 2: Minimum 3 paragraphs, cited source and your analysis. Your answer will be run through an originality check. Be detailed and think critically.
Texas has The Economic Stabilization Fund aka "The Rainy Day Fund". Describe and analyze what this is and how it impacts the Texas Budget process. Also, research and describe at least one example where it was utilized and one example in your opinion why it should have been.