GOP Guvs Right to See Stimulus Cash as 'Trap'

Say law is a 'budget trap' that will hook them on more spending

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 8:40 AM CST

(Newser) – Five Republican governors are threatening to turn down much of their stimulus windfall, afraid of taking addictive doses of spending on education, welfare, and health care that the states would have to shoulder in 2011 and beyond. And they're right to worry, the Wall Street Journal says. Take enrolling new families in Head Start, for instance: “There’s no way politically we’re going to be able to push people out of the programs in two years when federal money runs out,” says South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.

Nor are governors happy about the $7 billion boost in unemployment insurance expansions, which some say they'll have to raise payroll taxes to accommodate. “This will cost our state jobs,” says Haley Barbour of Mississipi. “So we’d rather not have these dollars in the first place.” But Barbour may not have a choice; the stimulus allows state legislatures to overrule governors if they turn down the cash.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal is seen in Kenner, La. in a Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Bill Haber, File)

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour speaks at a news conference in this file photo. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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If this money expands entitlements, we will not accept it. This is exactly how addicts get hooked on drugs. - Texas Gov. Rick Perry

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 14 comments

Guest

Feb 26, 2009 7:42 PM CST

?? Where are you getting your info. When the Money Runs Out, It Runs Out! Period. The State can't invent money, that's why Clintons COPS Grants were a joke. Unless they are given more, they have to 1.Raise taxes to make up for the shortfall or 2. Cut the program period.

Guest

Feb 26, 2009 7:38 PM CST

And at least he has something to say. I'm sick of posts by you Libs, " Blahh Blahh Blahh ....George Bush Sucks...Blahh Blahh Blahh... George Bush Lied... Blahh Blahh Blahh... Bush got us into this.

Guest

Feb 26, 2009 7:35 PM CST

Yea, he helped by just passing a bill that will cost you and extra 25 grand in taxes, per taxpayer, nice job.

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government spending • Rick Perry • Bobby Jindal • Haley Barbour • economic stimulus package • Mark Sanford • state budgets • Republicans

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GOP Guvs Right to See Stimulus Cash as 'Trap'