Don't Mess With Texas...Even With Stimulus Money

As I was driving home from work Thursday, I turned on FOX news. Fortunately, it was right at the beginning of an interview (I usually catch one mid-way) with Governor Rick Perry of Texas. Imagine my surprise when he stated that he was rejecting the $555 million in stimulus money offered to expand unemployment benefits. The problem was that the cash came with strings attached. Texas would have had to keep funding the benefits after the money ran out. Now, the Governor did accept most of the $17 billion (approximately), from the stimulus plan, but the requirements attached to this particular allocation of money would expand coverage to more people and place the state’s tax burden heavily on employers. Governor Perry:"During these tough times, Texas employers are working harder than ever to move products to market, make payroll and create jobs. The last thing they need is government burdening them with higher taxes and expanded obligations." According to the governor, it would cause counteractive measures in the job market because leading companies would have to raise prices and limit hiring. Additionally Texas would be asked to include eligibility to include thousands of low-wage and part-time workers (like single mothers, senior citizens, and college students). I am wondering if it could flow over to illegal aliens eventually? Naaah! Governor Perry told the interviewer that Texas would take care of its own. My guess is that it will be in spite of the Federal government!

Note: Federal money with strings attached can leave us tangled up indefinitely!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 3-13-09