Opposition to the Stimulus Package

The editorial article I chose published by the Corpus Christi Caller Times discusses the new stimulus package that was recently passed and Governor Rick Perry’s reaction to it. In the article the author states that “Governor Rick Perry’s reluctance to take the $17 billion allotted to the state doesn’t inspire great confidence that the money will be used effectively to help Texans or to help stimulate the economy.” The author blames the continued negativity by the Governor on next year’s election. I’m not sure such is the case or if it is that Perry just likes to whine. I am personally tired of hearing it, even before the stimulus package was passed Governor Perry clearly voiced his opposition to it. I understand that Perry along with many other oppose the package, the fact is that it was passed and there is nothing that can change that. I believe that Perry’s continued resistance is doing nothing to help Texas. Instead Perry should be focused on the job at hand which is to figure out how to best utilize the $ 17 billion allotted to Texas. However, I agree with Perry that we should be careful of entering into government programs that would burden our state with expenses long after our funding has dried up. Instead Texas should try to spend the money on one time expenses such as improving our roadways.
The author also state that “the stimulus bill isn't perfect and it is a huge risk, but it's a risk that Obama, Congress and the nation had to take.” This is exactly right; something had to be done to stop the landslide. The stimulus package might not be perfect but it is what we have now. As pointed out in the article Texas is faced with a $ 9 billion deficit, this deficit didn’t occur because of fluctuations in the market. It happened because of the economic crisis the U.S. is experiencing. The $17 billion stimulus for Texas could help us pull ourselves out of this hole and improve our faltering economy. But this will only happen if Perry and others can disregard their thoughts on the stimulus package and figure out the best way to use the money.

Perry Warns Texans

The big news story of today was President Obama’s signing of the $787 billion stimulus package, however not everyone is thrilled to see this passed. Texas Governor Rick Perry has previously voiced opposition to the stimulus package, and today when news broke of the signing about to take place Perry offered a warning to all Texans: be cautious with federal stimulus.

Governor Perry worries about the commitments that might come with taking money for certain programs. Perry states “we need the freedom to pick and choose. And we need the freedom to say 'No thanks.' ” While state officials still figure out what the stimulus bill means for Texas it is apparent that there is potentially some very beneficial aspects of the package. Texas could possibly receive $2.5 billion for transportation projects, however it is unclear at this time whether that will happen or not.

As the nuts and bolts of the stimulus package are unveiled it will be important for Texans to keep up with how it will affect our state. Although the economic down turn has not affected Texas as severely as other states the possibility still remains. However the money that Texas may receive from the stimulus package could stave off any further economic duress.