HOME
| Public hearing on stimulus money held at UTA |
|
|
|
| Written by Ali Mustansir | ||||
| Monday, 23 March 2009 08:39 PM | ||||
Projected use of money- 38 percent for tax cuts- 270,000 new jobs in Texas - $5.3 billion for schools - $4.7 billion for medical programs - $2.7 billion for transportation - $1 billion for the workforce program - $1.1 billion for housing and infrastructure - $700 million for discretionary funds Source: Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco http://txstimulusfund.com/ChairmansUpdates.aspx The public forum was just one of the stops Dunnam plans to make with the Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, of which he is the chairman. More than 300 people attended the meeting, though many filtered out during the presentations. Dunnam said the number of people the bill affects created a need to emphasize transparency in the funding’s usage. Among the topics discussed were improvement in facilities for retired citizens, further incentives for joining the nursing workforce, broadband internet service for more areas of Texas, funds to stabilize the Texas education system and unemployment benefits. Gov. Rick Perry announced his decision to turn down $555 million for unemployment March 12. Dunnam said Texas has lost 75,800 jobs in 2009, which could cause unemployment funds to run out in September. Another topic of debate was funding for the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department. Michael Morris, director of transportation, explained the further use of managed lanes with varying fees. He said managed lanes are tolled lanes on the highway that speed up traffic for those willing to pay. It drew jeers and protest from the crowd and many questions from the committee. “Why don’t you just call it a toll road?” Dunnam said to cheers from the audience. Rob Phillips of Highland Village said he has a problem with illegal aliens using roads he pays for, and making toll lanes would just make him pay more. “They just want to use taxpayer money to create more taxes.” he said. Views: 681 | E-mail
Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6 |
||||
| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 April 2009 06:23 PM ) | ||||
Be first to comment this article
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Housing Guide PDF
Copyright © 2005 - 2010 The Shorthorn.
