Education fund, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Gov. Rick Perry

How would $830 million in education aid help Texas?

 The federal aid is part of a $10 billion education jobs package approved by Congress in August. It could be used multiple ways to benefit students and teachers.

Is being rejected for education aid good for Texas?

No, if we apply for something, it is never good to be rejected. Recently the federal government rejected Texas’ request for $830 million in education aid.

What happened?

The main reason for rejection is two Texans who claim they are working for Texans. Governor Rick Perry of Texas could not meet the conditions engineered by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. One Texan engineered a condition and another Texan did not meet the condition. Still both claim that they are working for Texans.

      

            Rep. Lloyd Doggett added a condition that only applies to Texas. The condition was that the state has to maintain its share of education funding at the same level for three years. Doggett says "It is about ensuring that the federal spending we already have is used for the purpose for which it is intended – in this case strengthening public education." None of the other states had to meet this condition, but Representative of Texas himself added this condition for Texas. 

            The Republican Governor Rick Perry did not take any action to meet the condition put forth. He says, “Complying with the provisions would violate the Texas Constitution.” “The governor cannot appropriate money nor obligate a future Legislature to a certain level of education spending”.

            So one elected official of state, Rep. Doggett says he added the clause to prevent the state officials from diverting the federal aid to other purposes. And another elected official, Governor Perry says complying with the provisions would violate the Texas Constitution. I have two questions. If Governor Perry cannot comply with out violating Constitution, why Rep. Doggett added such a condition? If Doggett can add such a condition, why Governor Perry cannot meet the condition? How two politicians, who think they are smart, bring this to Texas? I guess one of them, or both of them are working for their own hidden agenda (not for people who elected them). I see the only looser in this case are the voters who put them in office.  I am surprised why they were not able to sit together and figure out a way to bring $830 million to Texas. Once the money is in Texas they can compromise so people will benefit. And if they are not able to come to agreement, the money can be saved as reserve. Texas getting some money is better than not getting any. 

References:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/09/09/2455986/feds-reject-texas-application.html 
http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/feds-reject-texas-request-for-830m-for-schools-905789.html

http://lubbockonline.com/texas/2010-07-03/us-house-democrats-add-caveat-texas-schools-funds