CUT AND SHOOT – With a local energy firm as the backdrop, Gov. Rick Perry and several of Montgomery County’s state lawmakers announced their support for unemployment and welfare reform Wednesday.
State Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, and state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, joined Perry at a press conference in support of Senate Bill 11, which has been filed in advance of the 83rd Legislature that begins in January.
While the bill requires Texas residents to submit to drug testing before receiving state welfare benefits, drug screening for eligibility of unemployment benefits was the dominant topic at the office of Thigpen Energy LLC, located on FM 1484.
Perry set the tone early, proclaiming it’s “simply not the role of the employer” to fund benefits if employees keep themselves in an unemployable condition.
“It is part of their responsibility to be prepared and available for work by remaining drug free,” he said.
Perry said requiring drug testing will serve as a “powerful” incentive.
“These benefits are not meant to be a way of life, merely put in place to be a bridge from the time someone loses a job until they get back on the payroll,” Perry said.
The new chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee, Williams said it “bears repeating” that state unemployment benefits are funded 100 percent by employers.
“I’ve heard from employers all over Senate District 4 that they can train their employees, they just have to find people who can pass the drug test,” Williams said. “This is a huge problem, folks, and I think it’s important we address this.”
Perry was introduced at the start of the hour-long press conference by Sam Thigpen, president and chief operating officer of Thigpen Energy. Founded in 2005, the company provides a variety of energy services across North America with 250 employees.
Sam Thigpen supports Perry’s initiative. Although Thigpen Energy has jobs available, the use of illegal drugs by potential employees is an “issue,” said Bill Baumann, vice president of business development.
Making note of Texans’ independent spirit, Creighton said the state is the “economic and job creation engine” of North America.
“We have 1,300 to 1,500 people a day moving to this state for a reason,” he said. “We have much to be proud of and much to protect.”
Creighton said Texans expect frugality from their tax money. He also took a swipe at the U.S. government.
Creighton said state lawmakers had a difficult budget session in 2011 when, percentage wise, they cut the budget as much as since World War II, “because we don’t print dollars here in Texas, we actually balance our budget.”
“That is a novel idea compared to Washington (D.C.), right?” he said, receiving a loud laugh from the crowd.
The key is for the state Legislature to provide businesses with a productive framework and, “then get out of the way.”
Also in attendance were representatives-elect Cecil Bell, R-Magnolia, and Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands.
Greasylake posted at 10:32 pm on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
This is one goverment program I'd support, even though it will cost taxpayer money. Realtalk, the Dems have played you like a fool. Keep voting for em, you'll be poor forever.
WestyTx posted at 9:53 pm on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Creighton needs to be drug tested for smoking dope. Texas hasn't had a balanced budget since the Repubs took majority control of state legislature.
Perry huffed and puffed against The Recovery Act of 2009 boldly saying Texas didn't need any help to create jobs thru infrastructure projects. Then quietly took $22 Billion and applied it to his $40 Billion state deficit (strange for a state with a "balanced" budget).
It's time Texas Republicans stop thinking all Texans are so stupid as to believe every thing that falls out of a Republican mouth. The gig is up.....and Perry's embarrassing run for President put a spotlight on it.....oops.
retiredff posted at 1:08 pm on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Hey sailorguy, I know it's a novel idea, but it's called " personal responsibility". A word Libs run from, like Dracula runs from a crucifix. Quit whining, or we'll have to get you some cheese with that whine. It's all about "choices" people make, and the consequences that go along with it. Everybody has to live with the consequences of their actions, except a select few? I think not. Didn't your mommy and daddy teach you about choices and consequences. Apparently not. Oh, by the way, it's a lot cheaper on everybody to be a good citizen, and not a slug!!
retiredff posted at 12:56 pm on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Hey realtalk, Pull your head out of your sand. There ARE jobs out there. They just have to get off their lazy duffs and go find one. I am a 60 year old, broke down, herniated back, hard of hearing, retired firefighter. If I can find a job, anybody can!! I don't mind helping the TRULY NEEDY, but I , like most folks, refuse to help the lazy or the clueless!! Which one are you? I've worked , since I was 14. Go get a job!!! They're out there. All you gotta do is look, so quit whining for them. I had to, regularly, pass a drug screening , to get hired and to keep my job. These entitlement slugs are no different, or better than me, or anybody else posting on here!It's now falling on deaf ears, just like the race card. Hard working taxpayers are tired of footing the bill for SLUGS, regardless of their race, creed, gender, or sexual preference. I think I covered them all. GO GET A JOB!! In my opinion, The elderly. mentally and physically handicapped, and very young, should get a pass. I'm like Capt. John Smith. You don't work, you don't eat. That's how I was raised. Thanks Dad, for instilling a work ethic, and responsibility in me. I sometimes didn't want to, like today's slugs, but with Love and a firm hand to taught be better. Thanks, I miss you everyday!
feanstx posted at 10:40 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
I agree that the drug testing should be done on all applicants for welfare. However, I think it should be required of all candidates for local, state, and national office. Also, for all those currently holding office. What's sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.
SailorGuy posted at 9:54 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Back in 1994 the republicans in congress passed legislation that denied foodstamp benefits to anyone who had been convicted on a felony drug charge. They also banned them from living in government subsidized housing. Both measures are lifetime bans. Both measures were aimed primarily at minorities.
No one knows how many millions of people were forced into a life of crime because of these restrictions. But what we do know is that it's a lot cheaper for taxpayers if someone gets 150.00 a month for foodstamps and 500.00 monthly for subsidized housing and welfare than it is to pay $45,000 a year to incarcerate those who have no option but to resort to crime in their effort to eat and have a roof over their head.
Republicans, penny smart, but pound foolish....
Jake60 posted at 9:45 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Amen '@RevLeRoyjacksBrown '. You covered all the high points for me. This concept needs to catch on nationwide. If Obama get's his way he will put the majority of Americans on the Food Stamp gravy train and give them all FREE cell phones for crying out loud. Not only should recipients get drug tested they should also be required to work in some capacity even if they have to clean our nations highways.
realtalk posted at 8:59 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
@RevLeRoyjacksBrown....These type of comments is EXACTLY why Romney lost the election. Obama hasn't encouraged anyone NOT to work, but if there are no jobs, what would you rather? Would you rather crime go up in order that people might be able to feed their kids or have the government do what they are supposed to do and that's take care of the people who NEED help?
Yes, there are a lot of people who are getting assistance that don't need it and are sitting on their behinds not even trying to find a job, but there are some people who have worked for most of their lives who lost a job because of layoffs or illnesses. What do these people do? Rob someone?
Aside from Kennedy, Carter and Clinton, the white house had 43 other "idiots" that lived there. Your radical and racist views are why it's a blessing that Romney didn't get elected. People like you and him are so extreme on your views that MOST of Americans are sick and tired of it and that's why OBAMA was re-elected. You might not like, but live with. Just as we have had to do for all of these hundreds of years!!
RevLeRoyjacksBrown posted at 7:33 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
I think this is a good idea. The 1st step in getting America back on it's feet/Texas. Quit encouraging people NOT to work, "the obama plan". Quit offering incentives NOT to work. Close the borders...Quit giving social security funds to people who never put in a dime....Illegal Aliens for example. Quit funding births for illegal aliens....anchor babies are being dropped every 9 months...Quit funding births for the drug heads that are dropping these crack babies....quit providing free schooling for illegal aliens...along with free breakfast...free lunches...free this ...free that...CLOSE the BORDER....and quit supporting all of these foreign countries with the millions and millions dollars that the USA DON'T...This white house idiot will bankrupt America before his term is over.........
I hope this helps.....[beam]
Birdiefree posted at 5:57 am on Thu, Nov 15, 2012.
Wow
Holding people accountable for their actions. They might be on to something.