Stimulus to create 269,000 Texas jobs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The numbers are still coming down as to all of the effects the stimulus package will have on Texas. In its state by state analysis, the White House announced it would create 269,000 jobs in Texas. Many of those jobs will be in construction and road building.

"Highway construction has virtually stopped," said Tom Johnson with the Associated General Contractors of Texas . "But, this stimulus package is really going to help. Instead of laying off 5,000 people like what happened in December, we'll be keeping people on in February and and doing more hiring in March and the following months."

Johnson estimated that 5,000 people would be put to work in road construction once the stimulus money kicks in.

"Projects that had been delayed are now being moved up," said Johnson.

Not everyone in the state is happy about the stimulus package. Governor Perry has repeatedly said he wants to look at the 1,100 page document line item by line item, to see what Texas should accept.

"We should have the choice and the chance to say 'no thanks,'" he said.

However, that does not mean Perry would reject the money.

"If Washington wants to give it to us for one time expenditures, like roads, I'm all for that." The Governor said his main concern is the possibility of stipulations in the package that would require the state to match Federal dollars for programs that will not be funded any longer once the stimulus money runs out.

"I want to see what kind of commitments are strung along with this package," he said.

Perry spoke about the stimulus package to a room full of independent business owners, many of whom do not see what kind of benefit the package will give them.

"In Austin, most software companies sell their product to other businesses," said Pat Conroy who owns a small software company. "The tax breaks are going to individuals, not to businesses."

 

 

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