PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — More bankruptcies within Gov. Rick Perry’s portfolio of Texas startups getting taxpayer dollars didn’t dampen a better year on paper for the Emerging Technology Fund.
A new report from Perry’s office shows the fund value growing by $30 million above what taxpayers have invested in more than 140 companies. That’s a sharp increase from 2012.
At least 16 fund recipients have gone out of business, including three since last year. Those still in business reported modest overall job growth.
The report is unlikely to muzzle Republicans who’ve grown publicly weary of the state playing venture capitalist. Calls to eliminate the fund have become common at GOP campaign stops this primary season, casting doubt over one of Perry’s signature initiatives once he leaves office in 2015.