AUSTIN — Declaring that there are "no sacred cows" in state government, Gov. Rick Perry outlined proposals to suspend two state agencies and consolidate others while renewing his call for lawmakers to balance the state budget without new or increased taxes as they confront a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall....

Perry called for lawmakers to suspend "non-critical" entities like the State Historical Commission or the Commission on the Arts until the economy improves and recommended moving the Department of Rural Affairs into the Department of Agriculture as part of an effort to consolidate government functions.

He also urged lawmakers to "take an even closer look" at the state’s delivery of essential services "to make sure we're taking the most efficient, cost-effective approach."...