Rick Perry accepts Texas' share of stimulus, with reservations
February 19, 2009
Most of the money will be allocated along established formulas for existing state grants and programs, but some funding will be allowed for new and innovative programs that must be approved by federal agencies. The money is earmarked for education, transportation, health and human services, and extension of unemployment benefits and health insurance for those recently losing their jobs.
Written by Christy Hoppe, The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry formally accepted the state's $17 billion share of the federal stimulus package Wednesday while pointedly voicing his opposition to the concept.
"I believe there are better ways to reinvigorate our economy and believe [the stimulus bill] will burden future generations with unprecedented levels of debt," Perry wrote in a letter to President Barack Obama certifying Texas' request for the money. All states must pledge that their share of the $787 billion package will be used to promote economic growth and create jobs.
Most of the money will be allocated along established formulas for existing state grants and programs, but some funding will be allowed for new and innovative programs that must be approved by federal agencies. The money is earmarked for education, transportation, health and human services, and extension of unemployment benefits and health insurance for those recently losing their jobs.
A special House committee will meet Thursday to begin dissecting the complex legislation and what it means for the state budget. But the state must act quickly, assessing transportation construction projects that can be started within 120 days, as the federal legislation requires.
Perry has vocally opposed the stimulus package, saying just this week that Texas should "look a gift horse in the mouth."
He stated in his letter that Texas would not use the money to expand government programs or take on projects that would require new state money after the federal funds have dried up.
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