Texas gov. rejects stimulus money for unemployment (West, Bailey: lawyers, house)

[nomore07]

I know this will be a hot topic...

Texas gov. rejects stimulus money for unemployment (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090312/ap_on_re_us/stimulus_texas - broken link)

[D-Towner]

"During these tough times, Texas employers are working harder than ever to move products to market, make payroll and create jobs," Perry said at a news conference. "The last thing they need is government burdening them with higher taxes and expanded obligations."

I can't say I'm a big fan of Governor Perry, but he is right on with that comment.

[Kibby]

I've read about 25% of that 1000 page bill. It's not easy to read because it constantly refers back to bills from many years ago and amends those laws.

Governors like Perry (and others) say that there are so many strings attached (I definitely believe the strings part) that in a year or so when the Fed money goes "poof" that Texas taxpayers will be on the hook for all these "strings".

A bunch of lawyers with a long time agenda wrote this thing ... Perry is probably correct. We will have to see if Texas is strong enough to stand up to the coming repercussions for this action. Never doubt that their will be Federal repercussions - the Constitution says that what is not specified by law to the Fed belongs to the State .... the Fed does not agree with that.

Power corrupts - the more they have, the more they want. It's always been that way.

It's my feeling that Perry is probably positioning himself (even though he is probably correct on this action) - He is an ambitious man, he is one of the few that is willing to step forward and take a stand.

Time will tell if he is correct - it always does.

[nomore07]

I don't agree with the "strings attached" either, and more states need to take a stand. Texas may end up paying for it down the road though

"Perry's decision comes despite warnings from Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken that the state's unemployment compensation trust fund could be operating at a deficit by October. Pauken told lawmakers recently that insolvency might not be not far behind."

Another potential problem is that some companies have a reputation for denying valid unemployment claims after mass layoffs, which is not fair to the companies who are creating jobs and "working harder than ever".

[KerrTown]

There goes his re-election campaign. If he's able to get past Hutchison, the Democratic candidate might win with populist rhetoric.

"See ya later, MoFo."--Rick Perry to unemployed TEXANS.

[car957]

Kerr

I see your point. I am afraid Governor Pretty Hair is so hamstrung with previous legislation that he is limiting our losses. Unfortunately, we can't figure those losses out unless we trust Uncle Phil Ghramm and his far right economic analysis. Kay Bailey (another cheerleading Governor elect) can't figure it out - but she will enjoy the house in Westlake since the Leg can't/won't/is too embrassed to rebuild the Governor's House.

We the people are out of the loop. And I don't want Kinky or Kay. I need a zero bull stool specialist to tell me the truth. And confirm to me that his/her statements are accurate and true, not some San Fransisco conjecture.

[carolinatx26]

I'm curious, what does Rick have to gain from rejecting the stimulus money for unemployment. This really isn't the popular thing to do right now seeing the amounts of unemployed Texans that could really use the help. I highly doubt that he has any chance of running for President or VP in the next election, so whats his motive? Do you guys think that he genuinely thinks that this is a bad idea and it doesn't have anything to do with politics?

[bluescreen73]

Rick Perry's "good intentions" in this case are completely spoiled by his actions the last 9 years as governor. I personally don't trust a single word the man says. He's a corporate kiss-up who's proven to be a lobbyist's best friend.

If it's not building a for-profit, foreign-owned super slab tollway that 70% of Texans oppose, it's trying to set up other sweetheart deals like selling the lottery to UBS at Phil Gramm's urging or forcing every young girl in Texas to get the Gardasil shot that his former chief-of-staff lobbied for.

Perry's an out of touch scumbag. He won the last election even though 61% of voters voted against him. Regardless of where his heart is, it's long beyond time for him to go.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by KerrTown

There goes his re-election campaign. If he's able to get past Hutchison, the Democratic candidate might win with populist rhetoric.

"See ya later, MoFo."--Rick Perry to unemployed TEXANS.

I'm hoping Kinky Friedman is our next Governor.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by carolinatx26

I'm curious, what does Rick have to gain from rejecting the stimulus money for unemployment. This really isn't the popular thing to do right now seeing the amounts of unemployed Texans that could really use the help. I highly doubt that he has any chance of running for President or VP in the next election, so whats his motive? Do you guys think that he genuinely thinks that this is a bad idea and it doesn't have anything to do with politics?

I think it may be another way for him to do some grandstanding against Kay, something he's been doing a lot of in the past few months.