Texas Governor Rick Perry announced last week that he would turn down some of the stimulus money Obama’s plan offered; Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said that he would turn down the money as well. The $555 million was supposed to help the unemployed in Texas. What were his reasons for turning the money down? He said that he would have to continue paying Washington back long after the money had been used.
Of course he did not turn down all of the money offered, which was $17 billion. But the $555 mil for unemployment was turned down because Perry said that ultimately it would mean a tax increase on Texas businesses, which he is not willing to do.
Democratic legislators are highly critical of his decision, and blame him for a lack of concern for the underprivileged citizens of the state.
He should be able to make his own decisions on how to run his state though, especially if it is about money he refuses. Many people will not refuse money, so there has to be a good reason for Rick Perry’s decision.
