A way to get around the Doggett/Perry dispute
The House is going to pass a $26 billion stimulus bill tomorrow. That much, everyone knows. But the bulls-eye that Rep. Lloyd Doggett has placed on Texas in the bill need not end up denying funds to the state.
The Austin Democrat inserted an amendment into the measure that puts Texas into its own special category when it comes to getting money from the legislation, which will help states with their Medicaid budgets and keep schools from laying off teachers. Doggett's amendment says that in order to receive its share of the stimulus money Texas must commit to spending the same amount on education in its 2013 budget that it will spend in its 2011-2012 budget. In other words, the 2011 Legislature must bind the 2013 Legislature to spend at least the
The Austin Democrat inserted an amendment into the measure that puts Texas into its own special category when it comes to getting money from the legislation, which will help states with their Medicaid budgets and keep schools from laying off teachers. Doggett's amendment says that in order to receive its share of the stimulus money Texas must commit to spending the same amount on education in its 2013 budget that it will spend in its 2011-2012 budget. In other words, the 2011 Legislature must bind the 2013 Legislature to spend at least the