Reconsidering the "Texas Miracle"

The entrance of Texas Governor Rick Perry into the already swift moving presidential race for the 2012 nomination in the Republican Party prompted stories about the so-called "Texas Miracle."  At the heart of the case for proving up the miraculous performance of the Texas economy stands jobs creation data that appears impressive.  On the other hand, we find quality of life issues that concern growing numbers of hard working Texans. 

Consider the following from the Texas Legislative Study Group, "Texas on the Brink":

• Tax revenue raised per capita--46th in U. S.
• Tax expenditures per capita--47th in U. S.
• Sales tax per capita--15th in U. S.
• Public school enrollment--2nd in U. S.
• Average salary of public school teachers--33rd in U. S.
• Expenditures per pupil in public schools--44th in U. S.
• % of population 25 and older with HS diploma--50th in U. S.
• High school graduation rate--43rd in U. S.
• % of uninsured children--1st in U. S.
• % of children living in poverty--4th in U. S.
• % of population without health insurance--1st in U. S.
• % of low income population covered by Medicaid--49th in U. S.
• Per capita spending on mental health services--50th in U. S.
• % living below federal poverty level--4th in U. S.
• % of population who visit a dentist--46th in U. S.
• % of pregnant women receiving prenatal care in first trimester--50th in U. S.
• % of women living in poverty--6th in U. S.
• Median net worth of households--47th in U. S.
• Amount of carbon dioxide emissions--1st in U. S.
• Amount of toxic chemicals released into water--1st in U. S.
• Amount of cancer-causing carcinogens released into air--1st in U. S.
• Income inequality between rich and poor--9th in U. S.
• Median household income--34th in U. S.
• % of households with Internet access--42 in U. S. 
• Number of executions--1st in U. S.
• Rate of incarceration--9th in U. S.
• % of voting age population that is registered to vote--43rd in U. S.
• % of voting age population that votes--45th in U. S.