Letters – Reader blasts ‘Doggett Amendment’

To the Editor:
“Back to great schools in Lockhart” by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (Aug. 26, 2010) sure portrays Doggett as the ‘Hero for Education in Texas.’ According to Rep. Doggett, “…the Governor’s signature on a 3-page document is all that stands between Texas schools and $830 million in additional federal aid to education.”

Not so fast Rep. Dog

gett

Unfortunately, there are but a few major problems with this ‘Doggett Amendment.’

According to a “Joint Statement by Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison On Passage of Funding Bill that Discriminates Against Texas” (Aug. 5, 2010) three comments must be made:

1. The Doggett Amendment requires Gov. Perry certify that the state of Texas will maintain the (FY11) proportion for two subsequent years. According to our Texas Constitution, “only the Texas Legislature can make appropriations” (Refer to: part A of title I, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965-20 U.S.C.6311 et seq.). Therefore, Gov. Perry does NOT have the authority to sign this ‘Doggett Amendment.’

2. This amendment requires the “maintaining of the proportion for two subsequent years,” and as our Texas Constitution states that “one legislature cannot bind a future legislature” (Refer to above); this stipulation is also in violation of our Texas Constitution.

3. Lastly, Gov. Perry’s signature on this “three-page document” (of which he does not have the authority), could make the state of Texas ineligible to receive ANY funds.

Questions immediately come to mind, such as: “If Texas is deemed ineligible, where will this money be sent? Could there be an administrative deal ‘earmarking’ the $830 million being sent to California or New York; penalizing Texas for ‘daring’ to have a better economy?

Additionally, one must ask, “Why would Rep. Doggett write an illegal amendment?” “Why is it that no other state has been asked to make this three year commitment?” Could this in any way be related to, “Why would the EPA (to which Rep. Doggett sent billions of our money) suddenly raise our clean air requirement?” and “Why would Rep. Doggett, who supports the EPA and opposes (as does the EPA) the use of oil; own stock in Anadarko Petroleum, Chevron Corp., Energy East, Exxon Mobil, First Energy, Mineral Interest, and numerous other multi-investment funds that include oil stock in their portfolios?

Wikipedia cites U.S. Rep. Doggett having the 11th highest amount of oil stock in the U.S. House of Representatives.

It appears that not only is our National Constitution under attack, but our Texas Constitution is also being threatened. When you go to the polls this November, ask yourself this one important question:

“Are liberal U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and liberal State Rep. Patrick Rose truly representing you and our great State of Texas?”

Then, vote as if your future depends on it, because it does!!
Tom Prescott
Lockhart