States Pass on Stimulus Money for Unemployed

Constituents fear losing out on stimulus dollars over politics

(NEWSER) - Opposing the stimulus’ expansion of unemployment benefits may be good PR, but there’s one constituency it’s not playing well with: unemployed people. “It just seems unreasonable,” one jobless Texan tells the New York Times, “that when people probably need the help the most, that because of partisan activity … [Gov. Rick] Perry is willing to sacrifice the lives of so many Texans.” More»

Tax-free provision ended with first stimulus

(NEWSER) - With most states already swinging in the recessionary winds, more bad news—many will have to start paying interest on the money they borrow to pay unemployment benefits. When jobless levels hit the unthinkable, with some states seeing 14%-15%, many had to go cap in hand to the feds to cover the gap, ProPublica reports. Those loans, as part of the original stimulus, were interest-free, but that provision has expired and efforts to put a new one in the tax-cut deal failed. More»

(NEWSER) - The fallout from Texas Gov. Rick Perry's rejection of $555 million in stimulus funds for unemployment benefits could threaten his re-election bid—but as other politicians cave to public pressure, Perry has yet to waver, NPR reports. "Everything's going to be viewed through that prism," says the editor of Texas Weekly of Perry's principled stand against federal interference, which is sure to be "brought into high contrast " by likely challenger Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. More»

Perry says coverage for unemployed would 'drown' businesses

(NEWSER) - The governor of Texas has rejected $556 million in federal stimulus money for the state's unemployed, saying yesterday it had too many strings attached, reports the Dallas Morning News. Rick Perry, a Republican, said that the federal rules would burden Texas businesses with new commitments; instead they should be able to use the money to create jobs. While conservative groups applauded the decision, Democrats said the governor was abandoning the state's jobless for political gain. More»

$800 billion, $647-page tome means big gov't again

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s $800 billion stimulus plan—which stood at 647 pages when it passed the House last week—signals a return to “unabashed” big government, the Los Angeles Times reports. Here’s what it means:

• For the next 2 years, individuals making under $75,000 will get a $500 tax credit. Those making more than $100,000 will get no tax credit. Those earning under $80,000 will also get a $2,500 college tuition credit.