Texas Comptroller Susan Combs says state sales tax revenue for January was up almost 10 percent over last year.

Combs reports 22 consecutive months of increased revenue.

Wednesday's sales tax report showed revenue for January at $2 billion, and Combs says tax revenues continue to grow in all major categories. The January increase was led by the oil and natural gas sectors. Restaurants and services sectors also showed increases.

The state will distribute about $709 million to local governments.

The figures are based on monthly sales made in December as well as sales by business that file quarterly and annual tax reports.

AP

That Associated Press story should be a wake-up call to all taxpayers who realize that government growth leads to lower economic freedom.

As Ronald Reagan once said: "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

When government has money, government officials spend it. Only in times of austerity do officials cut government spending. As we look to the 2013 Texas Legislative Session, we need spending constraints in place at all levels of government.

Example: Local governments in Texas are over $322.2 billion in debt.

You can see if your officials and candidates have signed The Defending the American Dream Pledge and if they have not, encourage them to do so.