Rick Perry today:
I believe the federal government has become oppressive. It’s become oppressive in its size, its intrusion in the lives of its citizens, and its interference with the affaris of our state.
Rick Perry in 2003:
Title: Statement of Gov. Rick Perry on Resignation Of Education Commissioner Felipe Alanis
Date: 06/20/2003
Gov. Rick Perry today released the following state on the announcement by Education Commissioner Felipe Alanis that he is stepping down.
"I thank Commissioner Alanis for his many contributions to Texas' public schools. His dedication to providing a quality education for all students and devotion to improving Texas' public school system will touch the lives of our children for years to come.
"Under his administration, the TAKS test was successfully implemented and proved that Texas students, when asked to meet higher testing standards, will rise to the challenge. His efforts to implement the No Child Left Behind legislation also ensured that Texas received $3.3 billion in federal funds.
"I wish Commissioner Alanis the best of luck in his future endeavors."
It's not like NCLB had any requirements or rules in it that had to be followed...
Perry was happy that the U.S. Department of Education had to give state action a "stamp of approval:"
July 26, 2002
HOUSTON - Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced today that Texas’No Child Left Behindimplementation plan has received federal approval. The approval clears the way for almost $400 million in new federal funding, moving the governor’s education plan a step closer to the classroom.
“Texas was a model for President Bush’sNo Child Left Behindlegislation, and we continue to lead the nation in innovative solutions to improve our schools,” Perry said. “The U.S. Department of Education’s stamp of approval means we can move forward with our plan to improve early childhood education, dropout prevention, teaching excellence, science education and our schools’ use of technology.”
Stamp of approval! Way to show the feds who's boss!
And ZOMG! Look at this unhappy juxtaposition on the front page of the Governor's own website!!
Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment
April 09, 2009
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
RECENT NEWS
Apr 10, 2009 - Gov. Perry Calls on FEMA to Assist the State in Fighting Wildfires
AUSTIN – Following severe wildfires that swept across North Texas this week, Gov. Rick Perry today reiterated his request to FEMA to issue an emergency declaration for 199 Texas counties based on the threat of wildfires. Perry also authorized additional state resources today to combat the ongoing wildfires across the state.
And what is this all about?
March 06, 2009
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide disaster relief assistance for Texas farms and ranches that have suffered economic and physical losses as a result of severe drought conditions.
UPDATED TO ADD: Perry sure was pissed he had to spend money on all those Katrina refugees. FEMA, bail me out!
Gov. Perry Asks Federal Government for Full Reimbursement of Rita Costs
Joins Judge Eckels, Mayor White in Forming Task Force on Evacuation Procedures
September 27, 2005
AUSTIN –Gov. Rick Perry today sent a letter to federal officials requesting that Texas get the same level of reimbursement for Hurricane Rita as for Hurricane Katrina. Perry also joined with Houston Mayor Bill White and Harris County Judge Robert Eckels in announcing the formation of a task force to examine better ways to handle the evacuation of major metropolitan areas of Texas.
“With indications that federal reimbursement will be less for Hurricane Rita, I want to re-emphasize the state’s position that it makes sense to provide the same level of federal support for a storm that did much more extensive damage to Texas than the previous one,” Perry said. “I have asked federal officials to designate these two catastrophic weather events as one natural disaster for administrative and funding purposes.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notified Texas that it would approve 100 percent reimbursement of some costs for a 72-hour period related to Hurricane Rita but then would drop to 75 percent reimbursement. FEMA has approved 100 percent reimbursement to Texas on costs associated with assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Perry noted that the shelter Texas provided for the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina affected every aspect of the Texas preparation, response and recovery for Hurricane Rita, which makes the argument for considering these consecutive hurricanes one tragedy.
DAMN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO HELL! You tell 'em, Rick.