2fer Goodhair: Private jets, who knew TX ethics loose. & TX might ban Goodhair's stem cell procedure

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Where he says in his letter that TX needs to be unfettered "to foster an environment" for "innovation" the translation is: "$$$$$ for medical tourism".

Nobody here thought he'd use the word "environment" in terms of either nature or Climate Change...



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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/us/politics/for-perry-use-of-private-jets-as-part-of-job.html

For Perry, Private Jets Have Been Key to Public Job

By MIKE McINTIRE

.... The two trips, each valued at $9,179, were among more than 200 flights worth a total of $1.3 million that Mr. Perry has accepted — free — from corporate executives and wealthy donors during 11 years as governor, according to an analysis of Texas Ethics Commission records by The New York Times.

Although many of the trips were for political or ceremonial events — not unusual for elected officials — others involved governmental functions, including some that were of interest to the planes’ owners. As a result, a group of well-heeled businessmen has effectively helped underwrite some of Mr. Perry’s activities as governor. ....

Mr. Perry’s campaign for the Republican presidential nomination has had to answer questions recently about his use of supporters’ planes. Two weeks ago, after The Times questioned whether he was properly reimbursing the costs of such flights for the presidential race, his campaign said it had mistakenly understated them and would pay tens of thousands of dollars more to comply with the law.

Before running for president, Mr. Perry drew attention in Texas for his plane use. A 2007 report by Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit policy group, found that of the 338 private plane trips taken by 81 elected officials in the previous two years, Mr. Perry took the most, accounting for 18 percent of the total. ....

Texas remains relatively permissive. State law says an officeholder’s expenses can be paid with private donations if they “are not reimbursable with public money,” which would seem to rule out official trips. The Texas Ethics Commission, however, has said officials are not required to charge those expenses to the state. Further, while state law allows officials to count the cost of any flights as in-kind campaign donations, they are not required to reimburse plane owners. ....





http://www.chron.com/ews/article/Texas-may-block-stem-cell-therapy-used-on-Perry-2251655.php

Texas board mulls stem cell therapy used on Perry

WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The experimental stem cell procedure that Texas Gov. Rick Perry underwent this summer could be restricted or even blocked under new rules being considered Friday by the state's Medical Board.

Some top scientists are questioning the safety and wisdom of the procedure, and doctors say it may run up against federal rules. It also carries potential health threats, ranging from blood clots to increased cancer risk. ....

Perry opposes greater oversight in Texas, and he sent a letter to the board urging members to recognize the "revolutionary potential" of adult stem cell research and therapies.

"Texas is a leader in innovation in many fields," Perry wrote after his surgery. "It is critical that we continue to foster an environment that encourages technological advancement in the health care arena." ....

If the board vote goes against him, the matter could become a campaign issue as Perry struggles to reinvigorate his White House bid. His polling numbers have tumbled in recent weeks. Perry has worn a back brace but maintained his work schedule since the surgery. ....

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