Ben Barnes issues wake-up call
 

Texas is drifting toward mediocrity because its leaders are not investing in the systems that determine a state's greatness, said former Texas Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes during an LBJ School lecture on April 10.

Barnes blamed the leaders of both parties for the downslide in the state's education and transportation systems, which he singled out as the areas most essential to long-term economic growth.

"At the very time we should be investing more in these areas, most of our leaders are talking about tax relief and tax cuts," said Barnes. "No 20th century state ever became great by cutting taxes, and no 21st century state will become great by cutting taxes."

In fact, he said, unless the Texas Legislature takes the bold step of raising taxes to make adequate investments in education and transportation, Texas will continue to fall behind other states both in providing basic services to citizens and in attracting the businesses necessary for a robust economy.

With reforms needed in education and repairs needed in the highway system, the idea of cutting taxes is dangerously short-sighted, said Barnes. "The point is that tax cuts don't do individuals much good" because the actual dollar amount per family is generally very small. The value is strictly political, he said, and these cuts rob the public of much-needed investments for the future.

Barnes was one of Texas' most dynamic political leaders during the 1960s and 1970s. Elected to the Texas House of Representatives when he was in his early 20s, he went on to become the youngest house speaker in Texas history. He served as lieutenant governor from 1969 to 1973.

Since leaving elective office, Governor Barnes has become a successful business executive and civic leader. He is the founder of Entrecorp, a business consulting firm. He has served as a consultant, director or chairman of more than two dozen companies, including American Airlines, Dallas Bank and Trust, Grumman Systems Support Corporation, and the Barnes/Connally Partnership.

Barnes' lecture, part of the LBJ School's Distinguished Speakers Series, was held in the Erwin Atrium of the LBJ Library and Museum.

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