Just a Walk in the Park

     "Who Doesn't Like Parks?" askes Charles Kuffner on an Off the Kuff post, while he discusses the issues on a proposed plan for parks that's being put to vote on this upcoming ballot. This plan or bond will expand Houston's parks with bike trails and other upgrades. Proposition B asks voters to use a "borrowed" $166 million for this project, but not through increased taxes, which will be payed through property tax collections. "While the measure calls for $166 million in taxpayer spending, it actually would cost $291 million to pay back with interest, according to one city estimate".
     Although this may be a smart investment for Houston, tax payers won't see as an important issue compared to other important items which needs their money.    
     In the article Kuffner argues that this is a perfect time for such a proposition, not only will it benefit the city but the city will only borrow what is necessary. He also states that the Republican party is against this plan, and states that taxes aren't being raised for this positive act. Kuffner speaks to Houston residences, as well as, an inform ate for tax payers and voters.Voters and tax-payers might want to listen to what he has to say not just because the issue affects their parks, but he himself is a Houston resident, not to mention his blog 'Off the Kuff' has been well known for a long time.

The Alternative for Inmates and Tax-Payers

An American Statesman article by the Editorial board, discusses the current issues with the medical care that is provided to prison inmates.  The board argues that the option of medical paroles should be granted to prisoners, who don’t pose any threat and need a sufficient amount of medical attention, due to the amount of funding necessary for inmate care.

The “Texans Deserve Relief from Prison Health Care Costs” article speaks about the overwhelming cost that is weighed upon tax-payers, making this directed to the taxpaying population. The Board also speaks about people who agree or disagree to the do the crime, do the time belief, making them the intended audience as well. The fact that this article is published by the Statesman’s editorial board makes this article credible.  This article is filled with facts, numbers and talk about “prison inmates older than 55 are only 8 percent of the prison population but account for 30 percent of the state’s…health care budget.” Other references were added from other articles, as well as remarks from an inmate (Donald Rash). 

One thing that wasn't discussed in great detail was the health care quality that these prisoners are provided with. If tax payers are paying for extra or unnecessary things, maybe we should cut down on certain things which will cut down costs on tax payers. But overall, I would say that I agree with the author, most of these inmates post no threat due to their conditions. On average, it costs $130/day to house an inmate, and that's not including any other extra costs like health care. I can see how releasing some inmates could ultimately save money for Texas' taxpayers.