Unemployment Benefits.

[rcrush]

I noticed that Rick Perry was among the republican govenors saying that they would turn down stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits. Will he really do that? I personally know a lot of people that are unemployed right now and receiving benefits and they would be very upset if the extention they were promised didnt happen. People say the bad economy hasnt hit texas as badly as the other states but have you seen the line at the unemployment office? I cant even call the TWC during the day anymore unless its 6:57 am.

[hobbit709]

1. Goodhair was a day late and a dollar short when they passed out brains.

[TBF]

2. Sheila Jackson Lee is putting pressure on him. I'll post the latest

article about it.

[sonias]

3. Yes he might - because he's an idiot

Don't think for one moment he cares about anybody who has lost a job. Perry is in the Governor's job for himself. Everything he does is political so he's already running to win the primary election next spring against Kay Buffy. And if he looks more fiscally conservative by turning down some of the money he will. In a heartbeat. You've heard all the right wing talk nuttery about how this whole bailout is just costing working people more of their hard owned taxes - and all to reward the irresponsibility of people who can't manage their own finances. That sells very well in Texas. Doesn't matter if it's true or not. This a pro-business state not a pro-worker state.

These nuts don't see that the money is going to go somewhere and get spent in some other state. If Texas turns it down - plenty of other states are ready to pick it up off the table.

The nuts at the Texas Workforce Commission who are all pro-business too, don't want to expand the benefits. And those are Perry's people telling him he shouldn't take the money. That plus the conservative business groups like TAB.

AAS 1/23/09
Texas eyes federal unemployment millions
But some in business, at workforce agency say too many strings are attached.
(snip)
Bill Hammond, executive director of the Texas Association of Business, said Texas should walk away from the federal money because it comes with too many strings.

"The kind of changes that they want would be very expensive in the long run for Texas, for Texas employers," Hammond said, estimating that the changes would have an ongoing cost of at least $100 million a year.

"Based on those numbers, we think it's a deal made with the devil," he said.

Rick Perry Wants It Both Ways on Stimulus Package; Hides Truth of Unemployment Fund BOR Diary 2/17/09
Rick Perry and the Unemployment Fund

Upon hearing the news that the Comptroller was predicting a $9.1 billion drop in revenue, Governor Perry's reaction was to increase the shortfall by calling for more tax cuts. This is right in line with what he has done with the State's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.

A year ago, the Unemployment Fund had a surplus of $90 million. In a shortsighted and politically expedient move, Governor Perry halted collection of the replenishment tax. Nearly 12 months later, Governor Perry reinstated the replenishment tax. Now the Unemployment Fund faces a $447 million deficit.

I'm sorry to hear you're out there in the thick of this crisis having to deal with TWC. But to be honest, relief in the form of Texas getting this right is not coming soon.

You should write a letter to the Governor and to your Senator and Rep in the Texas House. Tell them your personal experience and ask them to take the money for the benefits.

Good luck to you out there. :hug:


Sonia

[sonias]

4. No sunset of unemployment changes allowed

Postcards from the Lege blog AAS 2/23/09
No sunset of unemployment changes allowed
(snip)
So legislators will now have to determine whether the federal money will outweigh the permanent changes to Texas’ unemployment program.

(snip)
"With these radical changes to the unemployment system, Congress wants to further increase states’ dependence on the federal government. It’s like a drug dealer," said TAB President Bill Hammond. "The dealer gives you your first hit for free to get you hooked, and then you are addicted and are paying the consequences for a long, long time."

Don Baylor of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, which advocates for low-income Texans, said this money is coming at opportune time since it could help Texas avoid a tax increase on employers and help more unemployed workers.

He estimates the federal money would pay for seven to 10 years of expanded coverage. The total price tag of the changes has yet to be determined.

Sonia

[Why Syzygy]

5. SIGH.

I don't think they know the definition of "stimulus". Maybe show them a blow up doll.
More money means fewer jobs lost NOW! The net 'savings' is not a reality.