Perry Faces Awkward Policy Debates, More Scrutiny
Gov. Rick Perry was at the height of his power in 2011 when the most Republican Texas Legislature in modern times enacted deep spending cuts and handed him one victory after another.
But after a botched run for the presidency and growing disenchantment among Tea Party activists, Perry is facing some potentially awkward policy discussions when the Legislature convenes in January, as well as deeper scrutiny of an administration that has endured for 12 years.
For starters, fellow Republicans want to ban a provision Perry has used to “double dip” — taking both his salary and his state pension — a benefit ...
Comments (19)
Patricia Wood
Well, wonders never cease (maybe the Mayans were at least partly right?). I wake up this morning this morning and find myself singing in harmony with Tea Partiers. On double dipping long term office holders (only I would make that bill retroactive to cover our current hooligan in residence)---on term limits---on corporate welfare (God bless the Tea Party on this one)---and deciding they have had a belly full of Rick Perry! Shocked, amazed---and very pleased---maybe the Tea Partiers can find enough Dems to actually get something done here. But think of the fun we will have---Perry and his cronies trying to explain how it is wrong for Dems to "pick winners and losers" with environmental grants, but is a-ok for they themselves to do the same thing when they hand out millions of dollars in tax breaks & perks to their corporate buddies. Looks like this lege session may have some treats in store.
Luisa Inez Newton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If he's got any brain at all, he'll focus on water & climate change issues, stop fighting the EPA and stop grandstanding about women's health care.
My liberal look at politics from Waco via Texas Tribune on Facebook
all neo-con, all Tea, all Libertarian ALEC GOP NRA KKK politics must go. period.
Marisa Brodie via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Can't wait for him to fade into the past.
Judy Burns via Texas Tribune on Facebook
But Luisa, I think he's already shown us that he clearly does not (have any brain at all, that is.)
Karen Darden Rankin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Luisa, we have a better chance of a blizzard in Austin in July.
Jeff Scroggin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The only way he's going to fade into the past is if we all work hard to get rid of him.
Cliff McSparran via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Boy, Pretti Rikki is starting to look rough.
Gilles de Madras via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Texas Serial Executioner
Lee Dunkelberg via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry is hoping that renewing open hostilities in the War on Women and civil rights will endear him again to the Teahadists. Scary thing is he is too moderate for them.
Cheryl El-Sabagh via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Aging.
annie S via Texas Tribune on Facebook
he has no position. He deserted the democratic party thinking he would be able to ride Bush's coat tails into the white house. played a tea partyer to win last election, but his greed and arrogance has finally come home to roost. All sides against him, he will be regulated to just finishing up this term. Hopefully we will not only get rid of him but several of those hard core tea party in 2016. We need to get TX back to the days of Ann Richards.
I would like to ask him and state congress one question: since we have the largest economy in US, on the level of Russia, why can't we take care of our people? Why did we cut school funding, have no state assistance medical programs, the lowest average wage for workers? What are you doing with all that money?
Andy Jones via Texas Tribune on Facebook
SHOW UP at the session. BE vocal. EXPOSE his every move.
Rudyg43
Breaking news -
Please accept our condolences for the murder of twenty(20) innocent children! We will not accept responsibility for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction across America. The fault lies with the mentally deranged , evil beings, demons, copycats of fame, criminal class, gang members and we abhor any gun prosecutions and lack of criminal gun prosecutions by a callous and corrupt government. Additionally the fault lies with the demon video producers, the movie industry and other shadow industries including music video that fantasize murder and mayhem. Fault lies with the national media complicit with the moral failings of the government and dishonest thinking on gun control. We fully back the proliferation of guns and defend the gun manufacturers of the world to make money with the blood of innocent children. An assault weapon is necessary and a right at everyone's expense. We absolve ourselves of any responsibility for any of the past murders committed by people of limited mental capability. In conclusion we offer to train and provide additional weapons to schools and trained personnel to create fire zones around every school. We will help fund these new shooting ranges. Thank you - Wayne LaPierre
Michael Coffelt via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Bill White for Texas!!!! Perry has outlasted his stay!
Bruce Hinchey via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Time for Ms. Medina to take the reins.
Zachary Wright
Time to check out governor. You have been there way too long. Most women and teachers are tired of your agenda. So am I.
Samdavis
Rudyg43 - you absolutely rock dude. GREAT POST!!!
Lindsay Siriko via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rick Perry is the better man in Texas..........folks. !