Milton Rister, director of administration in Gov. Rick Perry's office, just asked Senate budget writers for a net increase of $81.5 million in state funds for the next two years.
If I took accurate notes -- and Finance Committee Vice Chairman Chuy Hinojosa, D-McAllen, chided Rister for not submitting his requests in writing -- Perry wants:
* $50 million restored to the Enterprise Fund, not raked off for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's and Committee Chairman Steve Ogden's favorite jobs programs at the Texas Workforce Commission and another one at Comptroller Susan Combs' shop.
* $15 million more for the Emerging Technology Fund, which helps high-tech start ups but has been criticized because award recipients have been stalwarts of Perry's political fundraising operation.
* $20 million more for film, TV and video game incentives.
* Authority to spend $10.2 million from court fees for criminal-justice grants.
*Ability to spend $11.3 million of hotel-occupancy tax on economic development efforts.
That adds up to $106.5 million but Rister said Perry's willing to give up half of the $50 million the Senate budget gives him to assist local governments during disasters. Rister also asked for the same authority the Legislature has to transfer unspent money between two year budget cycles.
Rister said the Emerging Tech fund gives Texas "an unparalled advantage," while the Enterprise Fund's success is "indisputable," with Oklahoma and New Jersey looking to imitate Texas. We'll keep you updated on the senators' reaction.
Source: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/02/perrys-office-asks-senate-for.html
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