03.24.09
Gov. Perry uses business subsidy money for alma mater
Via the DMN, Some question Perry’s transfer of funds to Texas A&M.
Gov. Rick Perry’s office used $50 million intended to lure new businesses to Texas to fund a new research facility at his alma mater.
Texas A&M University’s National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing will help researchers advance production processes for new vaccines and drug therapies. But some lawmakers are voicing concerns with the way Perry’s office funded it – moving $50 million from the state’s deal-closing fund into an account used for new technology programs.
The expenditure is the largest ever for the technology fund, which rarely gives universities grants of more than a few million dollars.
The grant was awarded in January but announced Monday.
Lawmakers plan to discuss the transfer, but they probably wouldn’t be able to stop it. They may consider tighter restrictions on the use of such money in the future.
“They [governor’s officials] say they had the authority to make the transfer, and we’re looking into that,” said Rep. Jim Pitts, the Waxahachie Republican who chairs the House’s budget-writing committee. “That money was supposed to be closing deals. It may be that we need to hold them more accountable.”
Can’t wait to hear what the former UT cheerleader has to say about what this former A&M cheerleader has done, likely more of her usual weak-kneed criticism.