On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
When Texas received $3.25 billion in education stimulus funds over the objection of every Texas Republican, Governor Perry played a shell game that left Texas schools not a dime better off than if no Federal aid had come in the first place. That is the only reason that, last summer, all 12 Democratic Texas Members--from Chet Edwards to Silvestre Reyes, from Henry Cuellar to Gene Green--united, joined together, in offering our Save Our Schools amendment, which is today Federal law. Tonight's proposal seeks to nullify that protection so that Governor Perry can reach out for another Federal bailout even if it means taking $830 million away from Texas schoolchildren. Defectively written, this amendment fails to repeal anything. The enforcement funds that it would limit are not in this bill. They are already appropriated. Vote ``no'' on a very flawed amendment for a failed purpose. Stop begging Washington for help, Governor. Just sign the application.
