The wisdom of the Texas Legislature astounds no one.  But this beats the band.

In Texas, we pay oil refineries not to kill us.  Seriously, I’m not joking.  It’s extortion pure and simple.

Three commissioners appointed by Gov. Rick Perry may grant some of the nation’s largest refineries a tax refund of more than $135 million – money Texas’ cash-strapped schools and other local governments have been counting on to help pay teachers and provide other public services.

And why, you ask, are they due this generous refund on the backs of schoolchildren?  Simple.  They replaced some equipment to clean up their emissions that were causing cancer.  Better a dumb child than a dead one.

We reward them for not killing us.

What’s more, agency documents show that if the commission grants the requests, at least 12 other refineries that have not sought a refund also could qualify.

The three-person commission last year expressed some support for the refund, prompting concern the panel is preparing to side with the industry in the middle of a budget crisis.

Should the commission approve the request, it would fall in line with Perry’s argument on the GOP presidential campaign trail that by being friendly to business he has attracted businesses and jobs to Texas while other states suffered.

So, when your state is ready to chose between education and air, we’ll get Rick Perry’s buddies to revoke child labor laws and keep bidness in Texas.

So, if you’re real excited about Rick Perry’s America, we’re getting together a group to secede after he’s elected President.

Thanks to Stephen for the heads-up.