It just keeps growing, and growing, and growing...

$4,500,000,000 - State of Texas budget surplus estimate prior to April 2006

$8,000,000,000 - State of Texas budget surplus estimate on April 17, 2006 by comptroller Strayhorn

$15,500,000,000 - State of Texas budget surplus estimate by House Spekaer Tom Craddick

Money quote by my new state senator, Dan Patrick:

"Texans are fair and reasonable people, and if we have a huge surplus, I think most of them would say, 'Let's set some aside because we never know what the future holds. And let's take some of it and address specific crucial needs,' " he said.

"But most of it should come back to us. Because government never fails at spending every dollar we send them. And, quite frankly, there could be a $30 billion surplus and there would be people saying we shouldn't send any back."

Suppose you were overcharged for something at a grocery store. When you go back to the store and demonstrate the overcharge to the store owner, he tells you he's keeping your money. What side would win the case in court?

Why doesn't government follow the laws of reality?