Sarah Palin has proposed that Alaska should decline $416 million in stimulus money. She is concerned about the conditions that are attached. Kudos to her for taking what will be an unpopular stance with many people.
UPDATED: Palin passing up $416 million for Alaska
Alaska Dispatch
Mar 19, 2009
Gov. Sarah Palin proposed today that of the estimated $930 million in the federal stimulus for Alaska, the state accept just $416 million. U.S. Sen. Mark Begich says he's "disappointed" by the governor's proposal. Murkowski, on the other hand, "applauds" the decision.
"I applaud the Governor for taking the transportation and other infrastructure funding because this will create jobs in Alaska. The law requires the Governor to certify that the stimulus funds be used to create jobs and foster economic growth," Murkowski said in an email. "The Governor has made her decision and now the Legislature will have an opportunity to review the decision."
Palin says that many of the federal dollars the state should reject come with strings attached. The state would have to maintain some programs, for example, after the federal funding dried up, she said. (excerpt) read more at alaskadispatch.com
She may be right. I haven't looked into the specifics of what she is rejecting and why, but there are some strings I wouldn't be willing to accept in her position.
ReplyDeleteIn general, I think I'm more fond of Ron Paul's approach to such things: Throw in as many earmarks as you can get away with and then vote against it. It is sort of like social security; even if someone disagrees with the program and votes against it, I can hardly blame them for accepting the help in their old age after being compelled t pay into it heir whole life. If you are going to be taxed for the stimulus, you might as well take back what you can.
She is a true leader.
ReplyDeletePalin's got a murky record on the stimulus. She was holding her hand out when the vote first came and she's backtracking a little now. I'm pleased she's not taking a portion of it, but that's not the first stimulus position she's held. I'll chalk it up to pressure from independent/libertarian minded Alaskans who don't want a part of this stimulus mess. Here's the story:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-31-gop-governors_N.htm