Expanded program would hurt employers and their employees
HOUSTON Gov. Rick Perry today stood with Texas employers and the millions of Texans they employ to resist further government intrusion into their business through an expansion of our states unemployment insurance program.
Texans who hire Texans drive our states economic engine. During these tough times Texas employers are working harder than ever to move products to market make payroll and create jobs. The last thing they need is government burdening them with higher taxes and expanded obligations" Gov. Perry said. I am here today to stand with Texas employers and the millions of Texans they employ to resist further government intrusion into their businesses through an expansion of our states unemployment insurance program."
Strings attached to the unemployment insurance stimulus dollars would require an unprecedented change in Texas definition of unemployment increasing the tax burden borne by Texas employers. This increased burden would counteract the stimulus packages objective of job creation by leading companies to limit hiring and raise prices on products hindering their ability to overcome the economic crisis and ultimately limiting growth.
The governor reiterated that Texans eligible for unemployment insurance under the states current system would retain the same benefits. He also noted that Texas recently accepted the stimulus funds that had no strings attached that provide additional unemployment benefits through the end of this year.
If you are an unemployed Texan and lost your job through no fault of your own our states unemployment system has covered you and will continue to help all Texans who are pursuing a full-time job" Gov. Perry said. My focus has been and continues to be cultivating an environment that creates more jobs for Texans. That is why I am so concerned about the belief that has gained a foothold in our national consciousness that the best and only way to solve our nations problems is to drown them with taxpayer dollars."
The governor spoke today at Berings a family-owned business in Houston. For more information about Gov. Perrys announcement please visit
http://www.governor.state.tx.us
