PERRY REJECTS FEDERAL HEALTH CARE INSURANCE POOL
Gov. Rick Perry today told the federal health and human services commissioner that Texas will not participate in creating a high risk health insurance pool under the new federal health care law. Perry said the program lacks rules to guide the states and appears to be underfunded at the federal level. Perry cited conditions similar to those that caused him to pull out of applying for the federal Race to the Top education funding grants.
http://blogs.chron.com/texaspolitics/archives/2010/04/perry_rejects_f.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+houstonchronicle%2Ftexaspolitics+%28Texas+Politics%29
Showing posts with label Gov. Perry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gov. Perry. Show all posts
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Personal Injury Trial Lawyers are at it again
Our friends at Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), (whose mission is to advocate for a fair and just legal system, they have campaigned for an end to abusive and frivolous litigation that hurts our economy, increases costs and delays justice for those with legitimate claims.)
CALA recently we shared testimony with members of the Texas House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence opposing a change in Texas law that would allow personal injury lawyers to collect damages on expenses that never happened. It’s innocuously called “paid v. incurred” but it will result in a personal injury lawyer windfall that will increase costs for all Texans. The committee is considering the issue as part of its interim charges.
The following example demonstrates how this proposal could drive up consumer costs:
Person A is injured by Person B in a car accident. Person A presents their health insurance card at the hospital. The hospital charges are $100,000, but because of discounts associated with the health insurance contract with the hospital, the actual expenses paid by the health insurer are $75,000. Under current law, Person B's auto insurance would reimburse the health insurer for $75,000. Under this proposal, a personal injury lawyer could sue the auto insurance company for the full $100,000, an amount that exceeds the actual costs incurred. The additional $25,000 would be an unfair windfall.
We’ve been here before. Three years ago, personal injury lawyers snuck this piece through the legislature. Governor Rick Perry wisely vetoed this misguided measure.
Texas needs laws that promote common sense and fairness in our courts, not laws that create new avenues to line the pockets of some personal injury lawyers at the expense of Texas families.
Thanks, CALA for shedding light on the ambulance-chasing attorneys' latest antics to game the system!
Thank you.
Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
CALA recently we shared testimony with members of the Texas House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence opposing a change in Texas law that would allow personal injury lawyers to collect damages on expenses that never happened. It’s innocuously called “paid v. incurred” but it will result in a personal injury lawyer windfall that will increase costs for all Texans. The committee is considering the issue as part of its interim charges.
The following example demonstrates how this proposal could drive up consumer costs:
Person A is injured by Person B in a car accident. Person A presents their health insurance card at the hospital. The hospital charges are $100,000, but because of discounts associated with the health insurance contract with the hospital, the actual expenses paid by the health insurer are $75,000. Under current law, Person B's auto insurance would reimburse the health insurer for $75,000. Under this proposal, a personal injury lawyer could sue the auto insurance company for the full $100,000, an amount that exceeds the actual costs incurred. The additional $25,000 would be an unfair windfall.
We’ve been here before. Three years ago, personal injury lawyers snuck this piece through the legislature. Governor Rick Perry wisely vetoed this misguided measure.
Texas needs laws that promote common sense and fairness in our courts, not laws that create new avenues to line the pockets of some personal injury lawyers at the expense of Texas families.
Thanks, CALA for shedding light on the ambulance-chasing attorneys' latest antics to game the system!
Thank you.
Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Good Policies result in Good Politics
Gov. Rick Perry walked away with the Republican nomination without a run-off as he captured over 51% of the vote. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison graciously conceded and threw her support to Perry. KBH garnered 30% while Debra Medina got over 18% of the vote. Gov. Perry ran on Texas’ good job growth and on his support for government spending limits. It appears good policy results in a good economy and makes for good politics!
No surprise, former Houston Mayor Bill White walked away easily with the Democratic nomination for Governor. However, Houston’s over $5 billion debt may prove a detriment to his bid for Governor in November. White claimed to have lowered tax rates 5 times in Houston, but has any Houston taxpayer seen lower tax bills?
Republicans had five ballot initiatives which are not binding, but provide a gauge for support. Photo ID for voting, controlling the growth of government and cutting federal income taxes were all winners with over 92% but the biggest winner was public acknowledgement of God, which garnered 95%. The sonogram initiative got 69%. Legislators would need to enact laws before any of these measures would be binding.
In a real upset, Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo lost to challenger David Porter who got over 60% of the vote. Porter will face an opponent in November.
In the spirited race for Texas Supreme Court Place 5, former legislator Rick Green and former Reaganite Jim Mosley head to a runoff.
The State Board of Education had some surprises as former Chairmen lost their bids – Don McLeroy in place 9 and Geraldine “Tincy” Miller in place 12. McLeroy lost to a lobbyist.
Two more surprises: trial lawyer and teacher lobby-funded Lance Gooden beat incumbent Betty Brown in the Republican House Dist 4 primary race. He ran saying he may want to raise property taxes, but has not paid property taxes himself. There is no Democrat in the November election. What were the voters thinking there?
Republican Tommy Merritt lost his bid for re-election to David Simpson who has no Democratic opposition on the November ballot.
No surprise, former Houston Mayor Bill White walked away easily with the Democratic nomination for Governor. However, Houston’s over $5 billion debt may prove a detriment to his bid for Governor in November. White claimed to have lowered tax rates 5 times in Houston, but has any Houston taxpayer seen lower tax bills?
Republicans had five ballot initiatives which are not binding, but provide a gauge for support. Photo ID for voting, controlling the growth of government and cutting federal income taxes were all winners with over 92% but the biggest winner was public acknowledgement of God, which garnered 95%. The sonogram initiative got 69%. Legislators would need to enact laws before any of these measures would be binding.
In a real upset, Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo lost to challenger David Porter who got over 60% of the vote. Porter will face an opponent in November.
In the spirited race for Texas Supreme Court Place 5, former legislator Rick Green and former Reaganite Jim Mosley head to a runoff.
The State Board of Education had some surprises as former Chairmen lost their bids – Don McLeroy in place 9 and Geraldine “Tincy” Miller in place 12. McLeroy lost to a lobbyist.
Two more surprises: trial lawyer and teacher lobby-funded Lance Gooden beat incumbent Betty Brown in the Republican House Dist 4 primary race. He ran saying he may want to raise property taxes, but has not paid property taxes himself. There is no Democrat in the November election. What were the voters thinking there?
Republican Tommy Merritt lost his bid for re-election to David Simpson who has no Democratic opposition on the November ballot.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Texas Takes on the Environmental Protection Agency
I am so proud. Texas is taking the EPA to court over Global Warming regs.
Hats off to Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples for this action – they are protecting citizens in challenging this rogue agency’s actions which do not fall within the EPA’s jurisdiction. It is regulation without representation and represents an end-run around Congress. I had suggested this action in the 1-29-10 Lone Star Report article “The Feds are Messing With Texas” (http://www.lonestarreport.org/CurrentNewsletter/FeaturedArticles/tabid/85/ctl/Detail/mid/462/xmid/320/xmfid/1/Default.aspx
It is a proud day in Texas, indeed! -- Peggy Venable
Texas Takes Legal Action Against Federal Government Over EPA CO2 Mandates
February 16, 2010
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced that the state is taking legal action in the U.S. Court of Appeals challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding for greenhouse gases.
“Texas is aggressively seeking its future in alternative energy through incentives and innovation, not mandates and overreaching regulation,” Gov. Perry said. “The EPA’s misguided plan paints a big target on the backs of Texas agriculture and energy producers and the hundreds of thousands of Texans they employ. This legal action is being taken to protect the Texas economy and the jobs that go with it, as well as defend Texas’ freedom to continue our successful environmental strategies free from federal overreach.”
The state has filed a Petition for Review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and will also file a Petition for Reconsideration with the Environmental Protection Agency, asking the administrator to review her decision. The state’s legal action indicates EPA’s Endangerment Finding is legally unsupported because the agency outsourced its scientific assessment to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has been discredited by evidence of key scientists’ lack of objectivity, coordinated efforts to hide flaws in their research, attempts to keep contravening evidence out of IPCC reports and violation of freedom of information laws.
Texas has a record of working proactively to protect natural resources and improve environmental quality. We have reduced nitrous oxide emissions by 46 percent, cut ozone levels by 22 percent and reduced carbon dioxide emissions more than nearly every other state, all without government mandates or extravagant fines. Rather than making traditional energy sources more expensive, Texas leaders continue to support making alternative energy technologies less expensive, thereby encouraging widespread commercial use and removing barriers to innovation and competition.
“With billions of dollars at stake, EPA outsourced the scientific basis for its greenhouse gas regulation to a scandal-plagued international organization that cannot be considered objective or trustworthy,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Prominent climate scientists associated with the IPCC were engaged in an ongoing, orchestrated effort to violate freedom of information laws, exclude scientific research, and manipulate temperature data. In light of the parade of controversies and improper conduct that has been uncovered, we know that the IPCC cannot be relied upon for objective, unbiased science – so EPA should not rely upon it to reach a decision that will hurt small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and the larger Texas economy.”
As noted in comments to the EPA filed by Gov. Perry last year, the agency’s decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act will impose a tremendous regulatory and financial burden on farmers and ranchers, small businesses, and an energy sector that hundreds of thousands of Texans depend upon for their jobs — not to mention Texas families who face an estimated $1,200 in increased annual living costs during a down economy.
Texas’ agriculture industry, which accounts for $106 billion – or approximately 9.5 percent of Texas’ total gross state product – would be disproportionately damaged by the proposed regulations. Fully 80 percent of the land in Texas is used in some form of agricultural production. Additionally, 97 percent of Texas’ agricultural operations are run by individuals or families, and one out of seven working Texans is employed in some form of agriculture.
“EPA’s move to regulate greenhouse gases would impose devastating rules on those Texans who fuel one of our state’s largest economic sectors – farmers and ranchers,” Commissioner Staples said. “As a regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture is required to impose rules based on sound science – not political science. Not only does state law require this, but it is also a fundamental principle by which regulators all across the U.S. have always lived. EPA has ignored extensive research on greenhouse gas emissions and based this significant regulation on faulty data.”
Diversifying the state’s energy portfolio continues to be a priority for Gov. Perry. Texas has installed more wind power than any other state, and all but four countries, and has provided new transmission lines that will move more than 18,000 megawatts across the state. Texas has also attracted more than 9,000 megawatts of energy from the development of next-generation nuclear power plants. The state is also looking to add new clean coal plants that will capture and sequester carbon dioxide emissions, or use the carbon dioxide to increase production from Texas oil fields.
To view the legal petition, please click the link below.
Attached File: Petition for Reconsideration of Endangerment Cause Petition for Review
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/14253/
Hats off to Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples for this action – they are protecting citizens in challenging this rogue agency’s actions which do not fall within the EPA’s jurisdiction. It is regulation without representation and represents an end-run around Congress. I had suggested this action in the 1-29-10 Lone Star Report article “The Feds are Messing With Texas” (http://www.lonestarreport.org/CurrentNewsletter/FeaturedArticles/tabid/85/ctl/Detail/mid/462/xmid/320/xmfid/1/Default.aspx
It is a proud day in Texas, indeed! -- Peggy Venable
Texas Takes Legal Action Against Federal Government Over EPA CO2 Mandates
February 16, 2010
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced that the state is taking legal action in the U.S. Court of Appeals challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding for greenhouse gases.
“Texas is aggressively seeking its future in alternative energy through incentives and innovation, not mandates and overreaching regulation,” Gov. Perry said. “The EPA’s misguided plan paints a big target on the backs of Texas agriculture and energy producers and the hundreds of thousands of Texans they employ. This legal action is being taken to protect the Texas economy and the jobs that go with it, as well as defend Texas’ freedom to continue our successful environmental strategies free from federal overreach.”
The state has filed a Petition for Review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and will also file a Petition for Reconsideration with the Environmental Protection Agency, asking the administrator to review her decision. The state’s legal action indicates EPA’s Endangerment Finding is legally unsupported because the agency outsourced its scientific assessment to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has been discredited by evidence of key scientists’ lack of objectivity, coordinated efforts to hide flaws in their research, attempts to keep contravening evidence out of IPCC reports and violation of freedom of information laws.
Texas has a record of working proactively to protect natural resources and improve environmental quality. We have reduced nitrous oxide emissions by 46 percent, cut ozone levels by 22 percent and reduced carbon dioxide emissions more than nearly every other state, all without government mandates or extravagant fines. Rather than making traditional energy sources more expensive, Texas leaders continue to support making alternative energy technologies less expensive, thereby encouraging widespread commercial use and removing barriers to innovation and competition.
“With billions of dollars at stake, EPA outsourced the scientific basis for its greenhouse gas regulation to a scandal-plagued international organization that cannot be considered objective or trustworthy,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Prominent climate scientists associated with the IPCC were engaged in an ongoing, orchestrated effort to violate freedom of information laws, exclude scientific research, and manipulate temperature data. In light of the parade of controversies and improper conduct that has been uncovered, we know that the IPCC cannot be relied upon for objective, unbiased science – so EPA should not rely upon it to reach a decision that will hurt small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and the larger Texas economy.”
As noted in comments to the EPA filed by Gov. Perry last year, the agency’s decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act will impose a tremendous regulatory and financial burden on farmers and ranchers, small businesses, and an energy sector that hundreds of thousands of Texans depend upon for their jobs — not to mention Texas families who face an estimated $1,200 in increased annual living costs during a down economy.
Texas’ agriculture industry, which accounts for $106 billion – or approximately 9.5 percent of Texas’ total gross state product – would be disproportionately damaged by the proposed regulations. Fully 80 percent of the land in Texas is used in some form of agricultural production. Additionally, 97 percent of Texas’ agricultural operations are run by individuals or families, and one out of seven working Texans is employed in some form of agriculture.
“EPA’s move to regulate greenhouse gases would impose devastating rules on those Texans who fuel one of our state’s largest economic sectors – farmers and ranchers,” Commissioner Staples said. “As a regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture is required to impose rules based on sound science – not political science. Not only does state law require this, but it is also a fundamental principle by which regulators all across the U.S. have always lived. EPA has ignored extensive research on greenhouse gas emissions and based this significant regulation on faulty data.”
Diversifying the state’s energy portfolio continues to be a priority for Gov. Perry. Texas has installed more wind power than any other state, and all but four countries, and has provided new transmission lines that will move more than 18,000 megawatts across the state. Texas has also attracted more than 9,000 megawatts of energy from the development of next-generation nuclear power plants. The state is also looking to add new clean coal plants that will capture and sequester carbon dioxide emissions, or use the carbon dioxide to increase production from Texas oil fields.
To view the legal petition, please click the link below.
Attached File: Petition for Reconsideration of Endangerment Cause Petition for Review
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/14253/
Friday, July 3, 2009
Gov. Perry joins Austin July 4th Tea Party
Gov. Rick Perry joins list of speakers for
July 4 “Take Back America” Tea Party
AUSTIN – Americans for Prosperity-Texas announced today that Gov. Rick Perry will join the lineup of conservative leaders speaking at the “Take Back America” Tea Party on July 4 at the state capitol in Austin.
It is the second time Gov. Perry will speak at an Austin Tea Party. The first one, held April 15 at Austin City Hall, drew roughly 2,500 people. A line in the governor’s speech that day became the central message for the July 4 Tea Party: “Cut spending, cut taxes, shrink the size of government and re-read the Constitution!”
The theme of the rally is “Take Back America,” and will encourage the “silent” majority to voice that message to elected officials in Washington, D.C.
“Washington D.C., should look to Texas as a model,” said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas director. “Under the conservative leadership in this state, Texas has become the top state in the country for job creation, we have the most Fortune 500 companies, more government transparency, are the largest exporting state, and still were able to balance our budget and leave $9 billion in the rainy day fund.”
Texas is the only large state in the country to have a balanced budget.
“The leaders in Washington, D.C. appear to be following the California plan,” said Venable, “and that is a recipe for disaster. Texas is the beacon of fiscal sanity and national leaders could learn from the Texas model.”
The Tea Party is a family event and – along with inspiring speeches – will provide information for citizens who want to learn how to help Take Back America. The Tea Party is part of a nationwide grassroots movement made up of individuals who are fed up with the unprecedented spending and expansion of the federal government.
For more information, including a full list of speakers, visit www.austinreteaparty.com.
What: “Take Back America” Tea Party
When: July 4th 2009, 2-4 p.m.
Where: South Steps of Texas State Capitol
July 4 “Take Back America” Tea Party
AUSTIN – Americans for Prosperity-Texas announced today that Gov. Rick Perry will join the lineup of conservative leaders speaking at the “Take Back America” Tea Party on July 4 at the state capitol in Austin.
It is the second time Gov. Perry will speak at an Austin Tea Party. The first one, held April 15 at Austin City Hall, drew roughly 2,500 people. A line in the governor’s speech that day became the central message for the July 4 Tea Party: “Cut spending, cut taxes, shrink the size of government and re-read the Constitution!”
The theme of the rally is “Take Back America,” and will encourage the “silent” majority to voice that message to elected officials in Washington, D.C.
“Washington D.C., should look to Texas as a model,” said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas director. “Under the conservative leadership in this state, Texas has become the top state in the country for job creation, we have the most Fortune 500 companies, more government transparency, are the largest exporting state, and still were able to balance our budget and leave $9 billion in the rainy day fund.”
Texas is the only large state in the country to have a balanced budget.
“The leaders in Washington, D.C. appear to be following the California plan,” said Venable, “and that is a recipe for disaster. Texas is the beacon of fiscal sanity and national leaders could learn from the Texas model.”
The Tea Party is a family event and – along with inspiring speeches – will provide information for citizens who want to learn how to help Take Back America. The Tea Party is part of a nationwide grassroots movement made up of individuals who are fed up with the unprecedented spending and expansion of the federal government.
For more information, including a full list of speakers, visit www.austinreteaparty.com.
What: “Take Back America” Tea Party
When: July 4th 2009, 2-4 p.m.
Where: South Steps of Texas State Capitol
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gov. Perry was worth Tweeting about
Gov Perry spoke to the AFP-TX RightOnLine Internet activist and blogger Day at the Capitol.
AFP had a poster on “good News inn Texas” and how TX is #1:
TX #1 in transparency. Gov Perry is a powerful proponent of transparency.
He discussed the tea parties (we had invited tea party organizers) and said he had prticipated in only two protests – Take Back Texasa (property rights movement) and the tea parties
Tea parties were about the 10th amendment – about Washington and voters’ interest Washington’s forcing spending and taxing and debt on us because of what THEY want
The Governor also said:
• When people are submissive and quiet is when real anarchy occurs
• I try to never get confused about who I work for – why this country was founded, what t ehconstitution means,
• 20 yrs ago TX and Austin was broke, busted – downtown buildings were emty
• Rest of the country was snickering…
• If I’d told you in summer ’89 that in a short 20 year period that TX would lead the nation in #1 Fortune 500 Companies, #1 in Esxporting #1 in job creation…Texas is responsible for creation of 70% ALL jobs created in America, - most would say that would be impossible. We had a reputation of being culturally, educationally, not broad-based economically enough – we were in ag, banking and real estate and we had the oil and gas and chemical companies.
• A lot happed by the Grace of God –
• Because we had some great universities, independent sprit, wildcat mentrality, and because Texans are risk takers, we the #1 state to do business.
• First time had Republicans had the offices of Lt Gov, Gov, Speaker of the House and Senate, Speaker – came in with $10 B budget deficit – do we stand up and raise taxes? No – we ran on and were elected to run TX differently.
Gov. Perry had Tweeted on the event before he arrived, as were many in the room. His presentation was worth Tweenting about!
-- Peggy V.
AFP had a poster on “good News inn Texas” and how TX is #1:
TX #1 in transparency. Gov Perry is a powerful proponent of transparency.
He discussed the tea parties (we had invited tea party organizers) and said he had prticipated in only two protests – Take Back Texasa (property rights movement) and the tea parties
Tea parties were about the 10th amendment – about Washington and voters’ interest Washington’s forcing spending and taxing and debt on us because of what THEY want
The Governor also said:
• When people are submissive and quiet is when real anarchy occurs
• I try to never get confused about who I work for – why this country was founded, what t ehconstitution means,
• 20 yrs ago TX and Austin was broke, busted – downtown buildings were emty
• Rest of the country was snickering…
• If I’d told you in summer ’89 that in a short 20 year period that TX would lead the nation in #1 Fortune 500 Companies, #1 in Esxporting #1 in job creation…Texas is responsible for creation of 70% ALL jobs created in America, - most would say that would be impossible. We had a reputation of being culturally, educationally, not broad-based economically enough – we were in ag, banking and real estate and we had the oil and gas and chemical companies.
• A lot happed by the Grace of God –
• Because we had some great universities, independent sprit, wildcat mentrality, and because Texans are risk takers, we the #1 state to do business.
• First time had Republicans had the offices of Lt Gov, Gov, Speaker of the House and Senate, Speaker – came in with $10 B budget deficit – do we stand up and raise taxes? No – we ran on and were elected to run TX differently.
Gov. Perry had Tweeted on the event before he arrived, as were many in the room. His presentation was worth Tweenting about!
-- Peggy V.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Governor Perry Stands Up for States Rights
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state,” Gov. Perry said. “That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states’ rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union.”
Perry continued: "Millions of Texans are tired of Washington, DC trying to come down here to tell us how to run Texas."
A number of recent federal proposals are not within the scope of the federal government’s constitutionally designated powers and impede the states’ right to govern themselves. HCR 50 affirms that Texas claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment over all powers not otherwise granted to the federal government.
It also designates that all compulsory federal legislation that requires states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties, or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding, be prohibited or repealed.
Gov. Perry will join Americans for Prosperity in a tea party with a strong message for Washington, D.C.: DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS! set for April 15 at ll:30 am at Austin City Hall. Joining the party will be Michael Williams, Texas Railroad Commissioner and great patriot. Stay tuned...
“I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state,” Gov. Perry said. “That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states’ rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union.”
Perry continued: "Millions of Texans are tired of Washington, DC trying to come down here to tell us how to run Texas."
A number of recent federal proposals are not within the scope of the federal government’s constitutionally designated powers and impede the states’ right to govern themselves. HCR 50 affirms that Texas claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment over all powers not otherwise granted to the federal government.
It also designates that all compulsory federal legislation that requires states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties, or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding, be prohibited or repealed.
Gov. Perry will join Americans for Prosperity in a tea party with a strong message for Washington, D.C.: DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS! set for April 15 at ll:30 am at Austin City Hall. Joining the party will be Michael Williams, Texas Railroad Commissioner and great patriot. Stay tuned...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Texas is Number One - AGAIN!
This is Sunshine Week and we are proud to announce that Texas is -- again -- Number ONE! in on-line transparency. Yes, read it and weep, Californians - Sunshine Week
We have written on it: AFP Responds to Texas' Rank as No. 1 in Transparency
We realize the virtues of Texas are far too great to enumerate...but we will name just a few...
#1 - Texas: State Online Transparency
#1 - Texas: Job Creation -
- in the 12 months ending in January 2009, Texas gained 19,900 jobs...
- From December 2007 to December 2008, Texas accounts for 80% of the entire job gains in the nine states with increased employment
- In the past 5 years, the Texas economy added over 1.2 million new jobs.
#1 - Texas: Most Fortune 500 Companies
#1 - Texas: Top State For Business
#1 - Texas: Fastest growing state in the country
#1 - Texas: More wind energy than any other state (some people would just say more "hot air")
In short, Texans don't think in terms of the audacity of hope but in the certainty of superiority.
OK, I know humility is a virtue - this bloggers' apologies for the last comment.
We have written on it: AFP Responds to Texas' Rank as No. 1 in Transparency
Here is Gov. Perry's press release: In Case You Missed It, Texas Ranked #1 In Online Transparency (it outlines what 20 categories are considered in determining online transparency).
We realize the virtues of Texas are far too great to enumerate...but we will name just a few...
#1 - Texas: State Online Transparency
#1 - Texas: Job Creation -
- in the 12 months ending in January 2009, Texas gained 19,900 jobs...
- From December 2007 to December 2008, Texas accounts for 80% of the entire job gains in the nine states with increased employment
- In the past 5 years, the Texas economy added over 1.2 million new jobs.
#1 - Texas: Most Fortune 500 Companies
#1 - Texas: Top State For Business
#1 - Texas: Fastest growing state in the country
#1 - Texas: More wind energy than any other state (some people would just say more "hot air")
In short, Texans don't think in terms of the audacity of hope but in the certainty of superiority.
OK, I know humility is a virtue - this bloggers' apologies for the last comment.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Gov. Perry got it right and needs to stand tall
Example: The "stimulus" bill provides Texas with $500 Million for unemployment, but obligates the state to spend an additional $100 million/year from now to eternity. Is that a deal or extortion?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123535040968044863.html
Governors v. Congress
The stimulus sets a long-term budget trap for the states.
Debt-laden state governments were supposed to be the big winners from the $787 billion economic stimulus bill. But at least five Republican Governors are saying thanks but no thanks to some of the $150 billion of "free" money doled out to states, because it could make their budget headaches much worse down the line. And they're right.
The National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009.
These Governors -- Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Butch Otter of Idaho, Rick Perry of Texas and Mark Sanford of South Carolina -- all have the same objection: The tens of billions of dollars of aid for health care, welfare and education will disappear in two years and leave states with no way to finance the expanded programs. Mr. Perry sent a letter to President Obama last week warning that Texas may refuse certain stimulus funds. "If this money expands entitlements, we will not accept it. This is exactly how addicts get hooked on drugs," he says.
Consider South Carolina. Its annual budget is roughly $7 billion and the stimulus will send about $2.8 billion to the state over two years. But to spend the hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to the likes of Head Start, child care subsidies and special education, the state will have to enroll thousands of new families into the programs. "There's no way politically we're going to be able to push people out of the program in two years when the federal money runs out," Mr. Sanford says.
The Medicaid money for states is also a fiscal time bomb. The stimulus bill temporarily increases the share of state Medicaid bills reimbursed by the federal government by two or three percentage points. High-income states now pay about half the Medicaid costs, and in low-income states the feds pay about 70%. Much of the stimulus money will cover health-care costs for unemployed workers and single workers without kids. But in 2011 almost all the $80 billion of extra federal Medicaid money vanishes. Does Congress really expect states to dump one million people or more from Medicaid at that stage?
The alternative, as we've warned, is that Congress will simply extend these transfer payments indefinitely. Pete Stark, David Obey and Nancy Pelosi no doubt intend exactly this, which could triple the stimulus price tag to as much as $3 trillion in additional spending and debt service over 10 years. But the states would still have to pick up their share of this tab for these new entitlements in perpetuity. Thanks, Washington.
Governors are protesting loudest over the $7 billion for unemployment insurance (UI) expansions. Under the law, states will increase UI benefits by $25 a week. The law also encourages states to cover part-time workers for the first time. The UI program is partly paid for by state payroll taxes imposed on employers of between 0.5% and 1% of each worker's pay. Mr. Barbour says that in Mississippi "we will absolutely have to raise our payroll tax on employers to keep benefits running after the federal dollars run out. This will cost our state jobs, so we'd rather not have these dollars in the first place."
The problem for these Governors is that they may be forced to spend the federal money whether they want it or not. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina slipped a little-noticed provision into the stimulus bill giving state legislatures the power to overrule Governors and spend the money "by means of the adoption of a concurrent resolution." Most state legislatures are versions of Congress; they can't say no to new spending.
These five Governors deserve credit for blowing the whistle on the federal trap that Washington has set for their budgets. They stand in contrast to most of the other Governors, who are praising the stimulus as a way to paper over their fiscal holes through 2010. But money from Congress is never as free as it looks, as the banks can attest. Don't be surprised if two years from now states are still facing mountainous deficits. They will have their Uncle Sam to thank. - WSJ
(And their lack of having a backbone) - Peggy Venable
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123535040968044863.html
Governors v. Congress
The stimulus sets a long-term budget trap for the states.
Debt-laden state governments were supposed to be the big winners from the $787 billion economic stimulus bill. But at least five Republican Governors are saying thanks but no thanks to some of the $150 billion of "free" money doled out to states, because it could make their budget headaches much worse down the line. And they're right.
The National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009.
These Governors -- Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Butch Otter of Idaho, Rick Perry of Texas and Mark Sanford of South Carolina -- all have the same objection: The tens of billions of dollars of aid for health care, welfare and education will disappear in two years and leave states with no way to finance the expanded programs. Mr. Perry sent a letter to President Obama last week warning that Texas may refuse certain stimulus funds. "If this money expands entitlements, we will not accept it. This is exactly how addicts get hooked on drugs," he says.
Consider South Carolina. Its annual budget is roughly $7 billion and the stimulus will send about $2.8 billion to the state over two years. But to spend the hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to the likes of Head Start, child care subsidies and special education, the state will have to enroll thousands of new families into the programs. "There's no way politically we're going to be able to push people out of the program in two years when the federal money runs out," Mr. Sanford says.
The Medicaid money for states is also a fiscal time bomb. The stimulus bill temporarily increases the share of state Medicaid bills reimbursed by the federal government by two or three percentage points. High-income states now pay about half the Medicaid costs, and in low-income states the feds pay about 70%. Much of the stimulus money will cover health-care costs for unemployed workers and single workers without kids. But in 2011 almost all the $80 billion of extra federal Medicaid money vanishes. Does Congress really expect states to dump one million people or more from Medicaid at that stage?
The alternative, as we've warned, is that Congress will simply extend these transfer payments indefinitely. Pete Stark, David Obey and Nancy Pelosi no doubt intend exactly this, which could triple the stimulus price tag to as much as $3 trillion in additional spending and debt service over 10 years. But the states would still have to pick up their share of this tab for these new entitlements in perpetuity. Thanks, Washington.
Governors are protesting loudest over the $7 billion for unemployment insurance (UI) expansions. Under the law, states will increase UI benefits by $25 a week. The law also encourages states to cover part-time workers for the first time. The UI program is partly paid for by state payroll taxes imposed on employers of between 0.5% and 1% of each worker's pay. Mr. Barbour says that in Mississippi "we will absolutely have to raise our payroll tax on employers to keep benefits running after the federal dollars run out. This will cost our state jobs, so we'd rather not have these dollars in the first place."
The problem for these Governors is that they may be forced to spend the federal money whether they want it or not. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina slipped a little-noticed provision into the stimulus bill giving state legislatures the power to overrule Governors and spend the money "by means of the adoption of a concurrent resolution." Most state legislatures are versions of Congress; they can't say no to new spending.
These five Governors deserve credit for blowing the whistle on the federal trap that Washington has set for their budgets. They stand in contrast to most of the other Governors, who are praising the stimulus as a way to paper over their fiscal holes through 2010. But money from Congress is never as free as it looks, as the banks can attest. Don't be surprised if two years from now states are still facing mountainous deficits. They will have their Uncle Sam to thank. - WSJ
(And their lack of having a backbone) - Peggy Venable
Friday, February 20, 2009
Gov. Perry Takes Stimulus Money -- on his own terms
Gov. Rick Perry has long been a taxpayer advocate.
This week, he wrote a letter to President Barack Obama in response to stipulations in the $787 billion stimulus package. "On behalf of the people of Texas, please allow this letter to certify that we will accept the funds in H.R. 1 and use them to promote economic growth and create jobs in a fiscally responsible manner that is in the best interest of Texas taxpayers," Perry said. "I remain opposed to using these funds to expand existing government programs, burdening the state with ongoing expenditures long after the funding has dried up."
Thanks for protecting Texas taxpayers, Gov. Perry! Long after the “stimulus” money is gone, we’ll be paying for it. We should not also be paying for government programs it could be used to create or expand.
You tell ‘em, Gov Perry! Read the letter here:
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/11969/
This week, he wrote a letter to President Barack Obama in response to stipulations in the $787 billion stimulus package. "On behalf of the people of Texas, please allow this letter to certify that we will accept the funds in H.R. 1 and use them to promote economic growth and create jobs in a fiscally responsible manner that is in the best interest of Texas taxpayers," Perry said. "I remain opposed to using these funds to expand existing government programs, burdening the state with ongoing expenditures long after the funding has dried up."
Thanks for protecting Texas taxpayers, Gov. Perry! Long after the “stimulus” money is gone, we’ll be paying for it. We should not also be paying for government programs it could be used to create or expand.
You tell ‘em, Gov Perry! Read the letter here:
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/11969/
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