That statement makes no fiscal sense. Spending goes up in proportion to increases in population and inflation just to maintain current services. And as I pointed out, the ratio of spending to total GDP stayed almost exactly the same - it only went up 1.5% in 10 years, or .15% per year.
Spending doesn’t necessarily need to go up proportionately to maintain “current services” unless you equate “current services” with per capita spending. Not all services/spending functions are linear, and there are plenty of areas in which Texas government could operate more efficiently. Perry and the semi-RINO legislature have spent too much - partly because they have been unwilling to do much about illegals.
Perry’s spending record looks good compared to states like Illinois, but it isn’t strongly conservative.
Having said that, I’ll certainly support Perry if he is the nominee.