81R6694 BPG-D
By: Shapleigh S.C.R. No. 15
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The impact of our nation's economic crisis has begun
to take a toll on Texas; Comptroller Susan Combs estimates that
2010-2011 revenues will suffer a $9.1 billion shortfall,
representing a projected 10.5 percent decline from the current
budget; and
WHEREAS, Texas suffered the loss of 25,700 jobs in December
2008, and the state has seen a rise in unemployment claims over the
past year; the comptroller projects that another 111,000 jobs will
be lost in the coming months; and
WHEREAS, Spending cuts will affect not only education,
transportation, and other vital state services; state spending cuts
also undermine potential growth by removing dollars that would
otherwise be spent on goods and services produced or delivered in
the state; and
WHEREAS, The federal government is developing a stimulus
package aimed at jump-starting the faltering economy; under the
bill known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,
Texas could claim at least $27 billion in federal funds; the
stimulus plan would send hundreds of millions of dollars to
cash-strapped school districts and provide $5 billion to stanch the
flow of red ink from the state's Medicaid program; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the stimulus package would inject money
into our economy by assisting the ranks of the unemployed, which are
expected to reach a level of approximately 6.6 percent in
2010-2011; the state would receive an additional $846 million for
unemployment insurance, and Texans losing jobs after September 1,
2008, would receive a subsidy to help them keep their previous
employer-sponsored health insurance; and
WHEREAS, The Texas economy can also benefit by provisions in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designed to
preserve and create jobs, to provide investment in technology,
transportation, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and
infrastructure, and to minimize or avert reductions in essential
services; and
WHEREAS, With oil and gas prices and exports declining, Texas
can expect to feel the effects of this recession more sharply; it is
essential that the state quickly take advantage of all stimulus
funds available from the federal government in order to lessen the
current impact of the economic downturn and prepare the foundation
for long-term growth and prosperity when the national economy
recovers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby express its intent that the state accept federal economic
stimulus funds appropriated under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 or any other such legislation that
allocates funds to our great state to ensure investment in jobs,
infrastructure, technology, energy, education, and health, thus
making certain that Texans, too, can participate in our nation's
economic recovery.