The "stimulus" express has left our nation's capitol and arrived at the Texas Capitol, bringing $16.9 billion in federal aid and a looming debate on whether to accept all, some or none of the federal package.

Do we help the federal government go deeper into debt?  Do we watch tax dollars generated in Texas go to other states that have run up enormous budget deficits?  If we accept all or part of the package, what future financial commitments are required by Texas taxpayers?

These and other questions need to be examined before we proceed.  After all, these dollars are not falling out of the sky.  They will come out of our paychecks and those of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During our preliminary deliberations, we are moving forward in the Senate with a budget that does not assume any acceptance of stimulus dollars.  However, discussions are under way to consider those funds.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, I am closely reviewing the federal strings attached to stimulus funding envisioned for social services.  We do not have all of the facts.  However, it is becoming increasingly clear that acceptance of certain portions of the stimulus will obligate Texas taxpayers long after the 2011 federal funding commitment.

The unemployment benefits represent a significant, open-ended entitlement expansion and create an additional financial burden for our state's employers.  Provisions relating to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dismantle welfare reforms of the 1990s, which brought about much-needed personal responsibility in the program.  The projected caseload growth with any new federal entitlements will undoubtedly require additional staff and infrastructure.

Some are calling for full and immediate acceptance of these dollars as "temporary assistance." But it would be irresponsible to make this decision hastily.  Taxpayers will have to live with this decision for years to come.  Make no mistake about it -- there is no such thing as a temporary entitlement.

Fortunately, we are in a state that has been living within its means.  Texas remains one of five states with positive cash flow.  Our base budget in the Texas Senate includes a $3.1 billion, in part to cover Medicaid shortfalls in the current budget, totaling $57.6 billion.  That's more than the entire budget of New Zealand, yet there will be loud voices saying it is not enough.

We will meet our responsibility this session to those who depend on state government for their health and well-being -- with or without the stimulus.  We will work to help those Texans who are struggling in this economy.  And yes, we are likely to accept at least a portion of the federal aid.

However, the "stimulus express" needs to slow down so we can figure out exactly where it is taking us.

SENATOR JANE NELSON represents District 12, including portions of Tarrant and Denton Counties.  She is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services.