Rick Perry’s Business Fund Gave Millions To Firms, Universities That Never Sent An Application
The first independent audit of the Texas Enterprise Fund concluded in the 98-page report by the state auditor that Governor Rick Perry’s job-creating fund awarded $222 million — almost half the money granted — to entities that never submitted applications or specific promises to create jobs.
[su_center_ad]The report was released to lawmakers on Thursday.
Dallas News reports:
…paints a picture of a $500 million fund that, at least in its early years, gave away taxpayer money without a set evaluation process or a consistent criteria.
Early grants were awarded to companies or universities without their submitting formal applications, and some large projects were never required to create a single job — although that is the legislative mandate by which the fund was started.
Numerous contracts showed inconsistent requirements, weak compliance monitoring and led the auditor to state that it cannot verify many of the jobs or investments that were credited to the program.
Critics have complained that the Texas Enterprise Fund was a loosely controlled treasure trove for Perry to dole out state money to favored projects. The audit did little to dispel that.
One example of apparent mismanagement is the state’s termination of 23 contracts, resulting in $19 million being paid back. Auditors found the state should have collected another $3.8 million.
Perry’s role of choosing“winners and losers” for the funding has come under fire. Sen. Wendy Davis authored legislation which prompted the audit.
According to the Dallas News, Attorney General Greg Abbott, Wendy Davis’ opponent, has also said the incentive programs need to be re-evaluated.
Dallas News has a detailed report here. [su_csky_ad]
tracey marie September 25th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
That is just the tip of the iceberg that will have more indictments against Perry.
Dammitjim September 25th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
I can only hope. Him and others like him as well. Why are these guys (and gals) all such weasels? Money? Hmm. I feel like a voice in the wilderness sometimes. I think Democrtas/the left would go “Hey, that’s not right” if it were one of ours, while the right would go “Is there a problem?” BRB, expatriating. Oh wait. I will not brb.
tracey marie September 25th, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Indeed, I believe power is also their agenda. With Perry it is power and control that he hopes will gain him money to keep up with the people he worships
granpa.usthai September 25th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Illegal FINANCIAL FRAUD would be a correct legal definition.
but as proud as Perry was at being booked for other illegal acts as Governor,
I’m sure he’s preparing to give the media another one of those Republican Ted Nugent ‘smiles’!
granpa.usthai September 25th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
PS: you’d think that with $3.8 million missing, he’d be wearing contacts instead of a woman’s fashion eyeglasses?
also
another WHITE REPUBLICAN who refuses to wear a cheap imitation made in China US Flag lapel pin when POTUS Obama proudly wears his for real MADE IN USA US Flag lapel pin.
Roctuna September 25th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
But just think of all the gardeners, tile guys, and laborers employed as that grant money trickled down.
NW10 September 25th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
https://thebentangle.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rick-perry-cartoon.jpg
Obewon September 25th, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Of course the $222 Million in quid pro quo free money was awarded to GOP donors. Just like Perry’s notorious cancer funding only granted to republican donors.
tracey marie September 25th, 2014 at 9:34 pm
and causing many of the top doctors to quit.
neworleans878 September 25th, 2014 at 10:15 pm
Damn that incompetent bumbling dictatorial rights crushing Kenyan Muslim Commie for making poor, poor helpless Rick Perry do this evil deed!
Is there no depth of deviousness this Anti Christ won’t stoop to?
juicyfruityyy September 25th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Are we surprised? The digging has just begun.
Kingminnie September 25th, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Well I am shocked!!
Wonder if Kasich is paying attention. Here in OH we have the same thing, a secret “Job Fund” created after Kasich took office. He then hired cronies to run it but we taxpayers aren’t allowed to know anything about it. The State auditor attempted to get the records (a Republican!) so our extremist right wing legislature passed a bill saying no one gets to see the records. No audit, ever, and Kasich will be re-elected.
tiredoftea September 25th, 2014 at 11:21 pm
He has been TX Gov since 2000! He is termed out and this is just coming out now? That’s some crack investigative reporting there, Dallas News! Nothing like exposing a crook after he sails off into the sunset with a Cayman Islands bank account of two comma’s and eight figures!
tracey marie September 25th, 2014 at 11:29 pm
Wendy started the probes and started the turn to the left in Texas
rg9rts September 26th, 2014 at 5:47 am
I understand TM
tiredoftea September 26th, 2014 at 11:43 am
Yes, she wrote the audit legislation. That doesn’t excuse the lazy and late reporting from the Dallas News. FoI laws would have provided enough documentation form them to start a probe much sooner. This is another example of how poorly we are served by an inherently conservative media.
tracey marie September 26th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
I was adding to not discounting your comment. Texas is always late reporting about perry and other baggers
tiredoftea September 26th, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Yes, I understood that, thanks!
rg9rts September 26th, 2014 at 5:46 am
Could you imagine what he could do with the federal funds
mea_mark September 26th, 2014 at 9:26 am
What I want to know is, is Greg Abbott going to investigate and prosecute Perry?
Denise September 26th, 2014 at 9:31 am
oooh.ooh! I think somebody is going down. abbott is the ag gor texas. surely a special prosecutor would handle any indictments against perry.
Dave September 26th, 2014 at 10:27 am
Just like Walker here in WI. Seems to be a pattern of them taking taxpayer money ad giving it to their friends.
Jean Nieman September 27th, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Jean
Jean Nieman September 27th, 2014 at 1:34 pm
He will soon be in ORANGE and doing time HOPEFULLY !
doorkeeper November 10th, 2014 at 11:51 am
The federal government needs to come in and find perry and abbott both in jail for the crooks they are, republicans cant help lieing and stealing.
R.J. Carter November 10th, 2014 at 11:58 am
Yeah! Screw this due process business! Get a pitchfork!