Aide: Governor Open To Using Reserves

AUSTIN (AP) - A top aide for Gov. Rick Perry opened the door to tapping the state's reserve fund.
Perry has long opposed using the Rainy Day Fund and recently met with House Republicans to urge them not to rush to use the money.

Legislative Director Ken Armbrister said Thursday that Perry is "absolutely'' open to using the money and has "not drawn a line in the sand.''

Rep. Jim Pitts, meanwhile, is asking the Legislature to spend $4.3 billion from the fund to close a deficit in the current budget. That would give lawmakers some wiggle room to deal with a revenue shortfall as they write the next state budget.

But he's fighting a wave of conservative opposition. Pitts said lawmakers must make a decision soon and don't have time to wait.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)