Protecting Kids

When the State of Texas created a budget for next year, there was no tax increase that anyone would own up to. The rate wasn't changed, but a lot of fees went up, and the net effect was a tax increase— no matter what they call it.

It isn't like people don't notice. Voters lately have been pretty likely to fire politicians who raise taxes, locally and at the state level.

Statewide, however, there's one social obligation for which more money must be found: protecting children. The Express-News reports that "the state contribution to child protection is less now than it was a decade ago."

Kids are being molested, tortured, killed. They need to be saved. Child Protective Services doesn't have enough investigators to do the job right, and the state must do something about it.

It wouldn't require a tax increase at all. Just rearranging priorities. Maybe we could start by cutting back on limousines for elected officials.

Brad Messer, commentary, KTSA.