Pope: Catholics should ask gay people for forgiveness

[Giancarlo]

Uh, Governor Abbott doesn't want the money. The Feds are forcing funding to PP in TX.

Nobody is forcing anything on anyone. But your corrupt governor needs to make up the massive budget shortfalls somehow.

If by 'recession' you mean "only growing at 5 percent y/y, then yes, Texas is in recession.

Grew by 5% what? 3 years ago?

Oil prices have crashed and took your economy with it.

Which is why you have an enormous debt load? "Flushed" with cash is appropriate. Term is Flush, Gian.

You're a ****ing moron when it comes to California. Please move onto a different topic. You have more debt than we do. We do not have an "enormous debt load". That is a lie. We have a governor who balanced the budget and created huge surpluses. Yep. A Democrat did that. Not only do we have huge surpluses (bigger than anything Texas has), we actually put money back into education and infrastructure. Republicans only run the state into the ****hole (like Texas). Say who was your last good governor? Ann Richards? Governor Abbott is more ****ing useless than Rick Perry.

[Ben Kenobi]

You have more debt than we do

http://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/California-s-400-billion-debt-worries-analysts-6812264.php

The Chronicle says you have 400 billion dollars in debt.

“Yes, the state’s budget is balanced if you are looking at what they are required to spend cash on this year, but not when you look at their expenses,” said Gabe Petek, a credit analyst with Standard & Poor’s.

California has promised $74 billion more in health and dental benefits to current and retired state workers than the state has put aside

http://www.texastransparency.org/Special_Features/Debt_at_a_Glance/Texas.php

This source states that Texas only has 45 billion in debt. Yee haw!

[Giancarlo]

http://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/...ts-6812264.php

The Chronicle says you have 400 billion dollars in debt.

http://www.texastransparency.org/Special_Features/Debt_at_a_Glance/Texas.php

This source states that Texas only has 45 billion in debt. Yee haw!

More bullcrap sources (especially that second one).

$400 billion in debt... that's nonsense.

Thanks for posting more of your stupid idiocy. KEEP IT UP dumbass!

By the way, that first article is nonsense.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005653/en/Fitch-Rates-2.7B-California-GOs-AA--Upgrades

KEY RATING DRIVERS

The upgrade to California's IDR and GO rating to 'AA-' from 'A+' reflects a combination of positive credit developments and application of Fitch's revised criteria for U.S. state and local governments, which was released on April 18. 2016. The 'AA-' rating reflects California's large and diverse economy that supports strong, albeit cyclical revenue growth prospects, solid ability to manage expenses through the economic cycle, and a moderate level of liabilities. California is fundamentally better positioned to withstand a future economic downturn than has been the case in prior recessions due to numerous institutional improvements. The state has demonstrated strong budget management during this period of economic recovery and expansion, using temporary tax revenues to eliminate the overhang of budgetary borrowing that had accumulated through two recessions.

Economic Resource Base

California's economy is unmatched among U.S. states in its size and diversity and is generally stable despite a considerable presence in industries prone to cyclicality. Population and employment growth levels approximate the U.S. medians over time, but the state remains a magnet, including for immigrants. After severe, widespread recessionary conditions, growth in the recovery has been strong, including in California's housing market.

Revenue Framework: 'aaa' factor assessment

Tax revenues are dominated by personal income taxes, which are economically sensitive, particularly those related to capital gains. Growth prospects are strong, driven by the state's strong economic fundamentals. As with most states, California's legal ability to raise taxes is unlimited, although subject to legislative super-majority voting requirements.

Expenditure Framework: 'aa' factor assessment

California has a solid ability to reduce spending through the economic cycle although its flexibility is somewhat restricted than is true for most states due to constitutional requirements for funding education and voter initiatives that limit state discretion.

Long-Term Liability Burden: 'aa' factor assessment

Long-term liabilities, while above the median for U.S. states, are moderate. Pension funded ratios declined following the downturn; however, the state has instituted some benefit reforms and implemented a long-term plan to increase contributions to the teachers' system.

Operating Performance: 'aa' factor assessment

Institutionalized changes to fiscal operations, when combined with the ongoing economic and revenue recovery, have enabled the state to materially improve its financial position, enhancing its ability to address future fiscal challenges.

Considering our state economy is far larger than Texas, we are on a more sound footing financially. Several major cities in Texas have been hit with major credit downgrades:

http://www.pionline.com/article/20160511/ONLINE/160519964/moodys-downgrades-fort-worth-debt-on-pension-liability-concerns

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-downgrades-Houstons-TX-GOLT-to-Aa3-maintains-negative-outlook--PR_903168652

http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Oil-Bust-Spreads-As-11-Texas-Towns-See-Credit-Downgraded.html

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-places-11-Texas-local-government-ratings-under-review-for--PR_903159952

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-03-11/oil-bust-spreads-11-texas-towns-see-credit-downgraded

This is called a bust. Many parts of Texas are literally running out of money. A lack of collection of income taxes have left several areas in severe financial straits. Since the state relies heavily on property taxes, the collapse in the housing market has also put a crunch on state coffers. Texas is literally teetering towards financial ruin.

Our debt is fully manageable and we have a very high credit rating in California.

Your state has been hit with credit downgrades, while we have been upgraded.

Your economy has hit major turbulence... even by admission of your state officials:

http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Texas-budget-still-works-despite-economic-8414144.php

And your job growth has lagged the national average too, while we have vastly exceeded it. Of course, your comptroller will try to paint a rosy picture, but it isn't as good as he says it is. Revenues have taken a huge hit. Your state is still a one trick pony oil state.

[Ben Kenobi]

More bullcrap sources (especially that second one).

The SF Chronicle is a bull**** source?

[Ellestar]

I think every single person who posted in this thread should ask me for forgiveness. That retarded thread title is bumped on the top of a forum for waaay too long. My eyes are sore already.

[Ben Kenobi]

We must be getting close to GroBRossiya.

[Aeson]

People are free to leave their jobs. The only slavery is the take that comes from taxation which takes 50 percent of what a person owns. That's 180 days of slavery every year.

You're free to leave the country if you don't like the taxes...

[Giancarlo]

The SF Chronicle is a bull**** source?

Whoosh... Right pass his head

Op/Eds don't count.

Funny how he ignores... Everything.

[Giancarlo]

I think every single person who posted in this thread should ask me for forgiveness. That retarded thread title is bumped on the top of a forum for waaay too long. My eyes are sore already.

Nobody cares what you want. We know in your country gay people are murdered and the authorities practically encourage it

[Ben Kenobi]

You're free to leave the country if you don't like the taxes...

Sure. Doesn't change the fact that you're taking half of what many men make in a year. How is that different from slavery?

[Giancarlo]

Sure. Doesn't change the fact that you're taking half of what many men make in a year. How is that different from slavery?

Slavery is being enslaved to corporations like what you want. Your vision is disgusting.

[Ben Kenobi]

Slavery is being enslaved to corporations like what you want. Your vision is disgusting.

If a corporation took half your pay off your paycheck before you got to cash it what would you think then?

[Giancarlo]

If a corporation took half your pay off your paycheck before you got to cash it what would you think then?

You love your exaggerated propaganda. The government has a right to collect income tax. Like it or not.

[Proteus_MST]

Sure. Doesn't change the fact that you're taking half of what many men make in a year. How is that different from slavery?

They pay with it for the niceties of civilization they can enjoy ... for things like firefighters, a justice system, police, an army and many many more things

[rah]

And don't forget contraceptives.