Democrats will push to overturn Perry move to reject some stimulus funds

[babylonsister]

Democrats will push to overturn Perry move to reject some stimulus funds
By DAVE MONTGOMERY and AMAN BATHEJA

snip//

Democrats denounced the decision as brazen political move that endangers thousands of unemployed Texans. An estimated 250,000 Texans have lost jobs since the recession began.

"After declaring his unconscionable decision today to turn away $555 million in unemployment relief meant for a rapidly increasing number of unemployed Texans, Gov. Perry will be resting comfortably tonight in a home paid for by Texas taxpayers," said Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth.

"As he does, families throughout this state will be huddling at their kitchen tables, poring through mounting unpaid bills and wondering how they are going to survive."

On Tuesday, House Democratic leader Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, chairman of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, filed a bill to create the State Fiscal Responsibility Office to oversee and investigate spending of stimulus money It would also require monthly status reports on stimulus funds.

On Thursday, the committee voted 5-1 to push ahead with proposed changes in the Texas unemployment insurance law to meet federal criteria for accepting the money.

Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, cast the lone dissenting vote, saying that the decision was rushed and excluded some Republican members who were not aware of the planned resolution. Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, joined four Democrats in supporting the resolution.

more...

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1255964.html

[rcrush]

1. Well thats good news.

I cant wait to vote out Perry though. I didnt vote in 06 but you can be damn sure I will now.

[sonias]

2. Everyone should contact their Representative

Lets support the House who is trying to work for Texas.

Not sure how to contact your representative?
The House members are all listed at this URL below. Click on their name and it will take you to their Texas House home page with phone numbers.
www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=H

Just do it. Lets get this ball rolling and that money back in Texas.

:kick:

Sonia

[onestepforward]

3. Party loyalty to the extreme

"Although changing policy would cost the state more, the select committee said in its resolution that Texas would get a net gain of $474 million in stimulus money. The state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund is facing a potential deficit of at least $800 million by September."

I really wish that repubs would start standing up for their fellow Americans/Texans vs. standing blindly for their party. Their current strategy isn't working for them yet they keep it up. It just doesn't seem very patriotic to me.

[bonzotex]

4. Every time I think Perry can't be more obtuse

...He surprises me again. He has nothing to gain with this stunt. Texas loses. What an asshole.

[MagickMuffin]

5. Attend the Hearing of the Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding

The public is invited to a hearing held on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. The details are below.

Saturday March 14, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.
University of Texas at Arlington’s E.H. Hereford University Center, Rio Grande Room,
300 W. First St.
Arlington, TX

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=++300+W.+1+St.++Arlington,+TX&sll=32.730722,-97.110858&sspn=0.024477,0.03828&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=32.731696,-97.109742&spn=0.024476,0.03828&z=15

While Rick Perry cynically uses unemployed Texans as a campaign opportunity, here are the facts on unemployment and the federal funds that could be assisting Texas families.

• Perry Plan will RAISE Texas small business taxes
Without the federal stimulus money, the Texas unemployment fund will be short at least $800 million by next September. To make up the shortfall, Texas will be forced to borrow funds or sell bonds. Under Texas law, the money must be paid back from higher tax payments from Texas employers. Perry’s scheme could ultimately result in small business unemployment payments doubling. (Source: Houston Chronicle Blog)

• The federal funds Perry is rejecting belong to Texans
The $550 million that is designated for Texas is not a federal handout. These funds represent a return of Texas taxpayer money to assist our state during a time of need. By rejecting the funds, Rick Perry is forfeiting Texas money to other states like New York, New Jersey and Florida.

• Texas has lost more jobs than all but three states (California, Ohio and Michigan) since January 1st.
Texas is losing jobs at an alarming rate. At least 50,000 Texans have lost work since the first of the year. Rick Perry has not initiated any plan to directly address Texas unemployment. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics )

• Even many Republicans oppose the Perry plan
Some Republicans, like Jim Pitts, chairman of the Texas House Appropriations Committee, have split with Perry and argued that Texas should accept the funds we are due from the federal government. (Source: Houston Chronicle )

Email Rick Perry, David Dewhurst and Joe Straus and tell them to stand up for Texas Workers and claim Texas' share of Federal Stimulus funding

*********************************************************************************************************************


Is Perry sending out these Robocalls using OUR tax dollars?.?.?

Rick Perry sending out Robocalls


Perry urges stimulus critics to be in Arlington Saturday

The morning Hours after rejecting some of the stimulus funds allocated to Texas, Gov. Rick Perry sent an automated message to some local supporters' phones: the fight isn't over.

It's just the latest salvo in Perry's campaign against the federal government's response to the economic tailspin, which included his launch of an anti-bailout web site a few weeks ago.

Beginning with a "Howdy, this is Gov. Rick Perry," the governor's latest robocall encourages those who think like him on this issue to show up and testify at a special hearing at the University of Texas at Arlington tomorrow.

"I'm sorry I missed you but this Saturday you will have the chance to voice your frustration about the federal stimulus and the heavy cost it's going to place on Texans," Perry says in the call.

The Select Federal Economic Stabilization Funding Committee is holding the UT-A hearing to accept public testimony on the stimulus money. Local lawmakers are expected to attend. The committee was created to provide oversight on the billions coming to Texas from the stimulus package.

http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/03/perry-urges-stimulus-critics-to-be-in-arlington-saturday.html

[tbyg52]

6. I've yelled to the appropriate people. Hope it does some good.

Did you see where he made the announcement?

Gov. Rick Perry will announce today that he is blocking the state from accepting $550 million for expanded unemployment benefits as part of the federal stimulus package.

With an upscale Houston hardware store as his backdrop, he will paint the expansion as a burden on small business.

Bering's is not your typical hardware store. They sell $110 reed diffusers and $144 artichoke sets. It's a hardware store in the same vein that Neiman Marcus is a five and dime store.

Now for the punch line ----

More (punch line):
http://www.kissmybigbluebutt.com/#march12rickperry