Texas Senate Bill SCR15

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 2/6/09
• Refer: 3/13/09

Caption

Expressing the intent of the Texas Legislature that the state accept federal economic stimulus funds appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or any similar legislation.

Impact

The resolution underscores the critical need for Texas to take advantage of federal funding that could provide at least $27 billion to support various sectors of the state. These funds would potentially assist in preserving jobs, providing investment in infrastructure, supporting education, and mitigating reductions in services, particularly in Medicaid and unemployment insurance. If adopted, the resolution would facilitate a proactive approach to leveraging federal resources to bolster the state's economy and provide relief to its citizens during a period of financial instability.

Summary

SCR15 is a concurrent resolution expressing the intent of the Texas Legislature that the state accept federal economic stimulus funds appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or similar legislation. The resolution highlights the ongoing economic challenges facing Texas, including a projected budget shortfall of $9.1 billion and significant job losses. The Comptroller of Texas has indicated that these economic difficulties necessitate immediate action to mitigate the impact on essential state services, employment, and economic growth.

Contention

While SCR15 reflects a united front in seeking assistance from the federal government during a time of economic crisis, there could be underlying contention regarding the reliance on federal funds. Some may argue that accepting such funds could lead to increased federal control over state affairs or that it does not address underlying systemic issues in state governance or economic policy. The resolution does not delve into the debates over how to best use these funds or the potential long-term implications of such federal assistance, but the current economic climate necessitates immediate action, clearly articulated by the authors of the resolution.