In the debate over stimulus money, Texas House members are making sure to stay in their seats, as every vote counts in this debate. Rep. Mark Strama is pushing the body to pass a bill that accepts $555 million in stimulus money slated for unemployment insurance.
A fight erupted when Rep. Legler introduced an amendment that would mandate drug tests for those who apply for unemployment benefits. Dunnam called it “insult to injury” if a person loses their job and then “has to tell their children they have to pee in a cup to prove they don’t use drugs.” Strama offered up an amendment to Legler’s amendment, making the usefulness of drug tests a study - essentially neutering the drug test amendment.
The vote on Strama’s amendment was so close, they did a roll call. They then voted to to do a re-vote and then a roll call on that decision. Finally, Strama’s amendment to the amendment passed and its his first victory for a bill that may or may not pass the House and could be vetoed as soon as it hits the Governor’s desk.
Fun times.
4 responses so far ↓
hilda whanger // May 22nd 2009 at 5:09 am
What “stimulus”??? $555Million for unemployment benefits creates more welfare leeches and does absolutely NOTHING to stimulate the economy. Let’s define things correctly.
hilda whanger // May 22nd 2009 at 5:11 am
And drug-testing ANYONE who relies on un-employment, FEMA assistance, and any other form of welfare SHOULD be mandatory. Too many crackheads and other n’er do gooders on the gubmint dole are using their “assistance” money to remain high and lazy.
Don Dickson // May 25th 2009 at 1:12 pm
“Beans and groids?” I’m surprised that the preceding comment wasn’t deleted.
Jenny Hoff // May 25th 2009 at 1:40 pm
I don’t know what that means but I took it out of the comment.
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