So by now we should all know that last Tuesday president Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus plan. Since that has finally been done, some of us might begin wondering how this will be affecting Texas. Yesterday the Houston Chronicle published an article that can be found here, which talked about how Governor Rick Perry has taken into consideration the idea of turning down the estimated $16.9 billion dollars that would be coming in our direction. I know I know, when I first read this myself I too asked what the hell is he thinking. Then after reading further his reasoning for the consideration began to make a little more sense.
Gov. Rick Perry basically wants to ensure that if Texas takes this money we use it wisely. One of the things he wants to stay away from for example is spending a mass amount of money on a project, and lets say that two years later, when we've already used all of the federal dollars given to us, if more money is need then it will have to be forked out of Texas's pocket. Therefore putting the tab on Texas. Instead he favors using it on things that would represent " one-time infrastructure improvements " instead. Which makes perfect sense to me. Overall I think it will be interesting on how this plays out. If the state is to receive the economic stimulus fund Gov. Perry will have to certify that it will be used to promote more jobs and economic growth. If he declines it however the Legislature could then accept the money on the state's behalf by passing a concurrent resolution.
And if no one can come up with a definite way to spend this money to its full potential. I would gladly take .0003% of it, which would pay for the rest of my college tuition, and perhaps a trip to Vegas.
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