AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A surprise visit by Gov. Rick Perry in the Senate lasted as brief as talk of beefing up scrutiny to one of his pet programs.
Perry livened up a mostly empty Senate chamber Wednesday upon walking into a committee meeting on economic development. Among the few bills on the agenda: a proposal by Democratic Sen. Wendy Davis requiring the first-ever audit of the Texas Enterprise Fund.
The fund has awarded more than $485 million to private businesses since 2003. Critics have targeted the program and Perry’s similar Emerging Technology Fund over accountability and impact.
Not that Perry popped in to testify. He was merely passing through, but made a quick stop to exchange pleasantries. The committee brought up Davis’ bill moments later.
It was left pending without testimony or debate.