We all knew that Bobby Jindal was the real deal, but it is nice to get proof. Via Allahpundit, I just read this:
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Friday that he will decline stimulus money specifically targeted at expanding state unemployment insurance coverage, becoming the first state executive to officially refuse any part of the federal government’s payout to states.
In a statement, Jindal, who is slated to give the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s message to Congress on Tuesday, expressed concern that expanding unemployment insurance coverage would lead to increased unemployment insurance taxes later on.
“The federal money in this bill will run out in less than three years for this benefit and our businesses would then be stuck paying the bill,” Jindal said. “We must be careful and thoughtful as we examine all the strings attached to the funding in this package. We cannot grow government in an unsustainable way.”
The total amount rejected? $98 million. Of course, this is a bold move that is very risky, but the potential for proving the absurdity of this sort of stimulus is huge. This is a very serious challenge to the Dems in DC, and it is something we are going to have to keep an eye on.I look forward to his Tuesday response.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:47 am
This is good news for sure. I kinda doubt that this one’s going to come back and bite him, especially with public opinion what it is right now.
The surprisingly small amount ($98 million) has made me curious. I know that most of the money is either going towards “tax cuts” or specific agencies, but don’t you think that the govt could find a bit more money to through at Louisiana than just a lousy $98 million?
Then I remembered that Louisiana is a very red state. I’d love to see a complete breakdown of where the money’s going, cross referenced to party affiliation.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:03 am
Well, the redder the state, the less they need the money.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:09 am
True, True.
I have recently been thinking that calling this bill a pork bill just doesn’t get the idea across. Do you think that we could be more clear? Perhaps call it the “Great Democrat Bribe” or the “Buying Democrat Constituents’ Votes” bill.