Perry concerned about federal stimulus aid

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he is concerned if his state accepts its full share of the federal stimulus package, the aid may disrupt the state's future.

Perry said Tuesday while Texas' projected portion of the stimulus package will initially help programs, federal funds may soon dissipate and leave his state facing additional payments, the Houston Chronicle reported.

"One thing that concerns me is that dollars are going to come into Texas that require us to match those dollars, and then two years from now, those federal dollars won't be there, but we will be on the hook to pay for those programs going forward," Perry said.

The Texas budget is expected to receive nearly $16.9 billion in federal economic provisions as part of the new package, a preliminary legislative analysis shows.

Texas state Rep. Jim Dunnam told the Chronicle he is confused regarding Perry's cautious stance in relation to the federal funds.

"The governor every year comes in and wants half-a-billion dollars for the (state) enterprise fund to create jobs and stimulate economic growth and he's going to say we don't want $20 billion?" Dunnam questioned. "I find it difficult to understand."