$1Billion Plan to Preserve and Expand Texas State Parks | Guest: Doug Deason, Deason Foundation

Conservative Dallas businessman Doug Deason has teamed up with Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas, to persuade Texas legislators to devote $1 billion to expanding Texas State Parks. Texas has an impressive $32 billion budget surplus. Mr. Deason explains the role of oil and gas severance taxes in creating the massive budget surplus, and the exploding Texas population that has outgrown the state’s available recreational space with as much as a six month wait to get a camp site in some state parks.

Deason explains how he teamed up with an unlikely ally after a Twitter battle over how many endangered species are killed each year by wind energy (blades). The two found common ground on the issue of conservation and teamed up with State Senator Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) who is taking the lead in the legislature to advance the bill to expand state parks this legislative session.

What do Texan taxpayers get in exchange for 1 billion dollars? Deason gives the answer. 

Jacki reviews the polling on the issue and the rapid pace of development in the state.

Deason explains that conservatives, particularly hunters and fisherman, are conservationists who use and value expansive wildlands more than most.

Deason and Jacki end with the importance of getting the younger generation out in nature and off the screens.