Blog: Dermot Cole
Governor has opportunity to say 'Thanks but no thanks'
Published Monday, February 16, 2009
Gov. Sarah Palin released a statement today saying she opposes the stimulus bill approved by Congress and suggests that maybe the state won't take some of the money offered by the federal government.
The governor should follow this up with a statement about specific projects that she wants to reject.
"It’s not fair to Alaskans to create expectations about programs that wouldn’t be sustainable, so we’ll need to look at the federal funding on a case-by-case basis,” she said.
If the governor says "Thanks, but no thanks" to any significant portion of the bill, it would be a first for Alaska.
But a statement from the governor with specific cases is the only way to move this debate beyond the familiar talking points from the competing political parties.
"The governor recognizes that some form of economic stimulus is necessary, but not the bill that passed the Congress Friday," her office said.
She didn't mention Sen. Mark Begich and his support for the bill. She praised Rep. Don Young and Sen. Lisa Murkowski for their opposition.
“Congressman Young and Senator Murkowski did their best to achieve the right balance in the bill, but in the end the majority allowed the spending to balloon and encompass support for programs that don’t respond to the problem at hand,” the governor said.
Begich said the bill was not perfect, but it will help. Begich's office said that Palin has not informed him of any specific programs or projects that she objects to in the bill.
“This bill will keep thousands of Alaskans employed and provide millions of dollars for investment in badly-needed infrastructure,” Begich said in a statement after the bill was approved.
“We simply can’t afford to do nothing as our economy continues to spiral downward. This is an investment in the future and the opportunity to do something right now to help thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans.”
For Alaska, the bill includes a host of grants and programs. The White House has estimated that it would create 8,000 jobs in Alaska.
A statement from the national Democratic Party said some of the Alaska specifics are: $20 million for drinking water projects, $25 million for clean water projects, $176 million for roads, $3 million for public housing, $6 million to help low income people with housing, $94 million for education, $33 million for special education, $3 million for education technology, $4 million for schools with a large number of low income families, $4 million in state employment grants, $11 million for job training and employment services, $19 million for weatherization, $29 million for state energy projects, $45 million for Food Stamps and $10 million in law enforcement grants.
Let's see what we'll just say NO, THANKS to; what program isn't that important. Which project might we just as well fund ourselves, with all that oil money we're fat with now... I have been proud to have Sarah as our governor, but I was sorely disappointed with all the rhetoric last fall. Now we'll see if the chops exist to lead through tough times...
I'd be in favor or returning/refusing some federal funds, but in return the feds should give back some of our state's rights. Just dropping unfunded federal mandates would save us millions. How about if the feds allow some right of ways. But its obvious the feds aren't interested in saving any money. Stimulus money will leads to more permanent government jobs that, in the end, we will pay for every year.
Let me get this straight....Begich voted for it.Murkowski and Young voted against it and no one has "Read" the Bill,and the President hasn't signed it.Only makes sense that the Governor hasn't determined what programs fit Alaska.
<shrugs> But for her to say "No" to Federal funds, even though by a majority of Democrats vs Republicans, would disfavor many of the Alaskan Democrats whom are supportive of this so-called "Free Money" from the Federal Government. As such, it would only give reason for Democrats whom dislike Palin to dislike her even more -- though I can't imagine whom.. as she is good look'n.
The majority of people have spoken in the US. If this is what they want, I say accept it graciously.
The majority have spoken? I think not- Its not the gov's responsibility to take care of you if you lose your job. When you go to school-choose a field you will always have work in. Be smart about your job choices. Make the greedy pricks pay,
Innovation and new companies are what start in hard times. People become more resourceful. Neighborhoods come together to help each other out.
At this time we Alaskans have to be very weary of what the federal government is doing with all this ghost money they are handing out. The first $700,000,000 has done nothing to help America, the government has and is taking control of everything and everyone, we are losing our freedoms. We are a sovereign state and people, we cannot sit back and take this money, and think everything will be better, it will be worse and for generations to come. Governor Palin, please say thanks, but no thanks to the feds. I for one will be very happy that you did.
Hi folks,
A question. Will Sarah refuse other federal money? Sarah has us at the public trough for millions of dollars. We are the envy of other states for all the federal money we get.
How about this. Is Sarah in favor off all states getting the same federal dollars per population like Alaska gets? If she does, it would make the stimulus package small change.
Sarah, how about some equality in federal money to the states; equal distributuion to all states?
Have agreat day
Are you all serious? This next year will be horrible for Alaska. There will be no kick back by the governor for "fuel prices" and fewer people will be employed in construction. This statement made by the governor part of her campaign for president in 2012, not governor in 2009.
Solidarity
This stimulus bill is like heroin. The goovernment will keep giving and giving until you are hooked, Then you will no longer be able to say no and big government will control everything. This stimulus bill is the wrong answer and will lead us and our children deeper into debt and more reliable on government handouts.
That's not really that much money. We would do far better for far longer if the current administration would push for natural resource development. We would be creating wealth instead of requisitioning wealth.
For those who have NOT read the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009":
http://www.house.govtext/hr1_legtextcr.p...
http://www.house.govtext/hr1_legtestcrb....
Now let us hope that someone in state government has read this package...and busy working with the federal agencies to draft the mechanics of distribution of funds from the stimulus package...because we are going to pay for the "loan" just like we are going to "pay the piper" for the greed and fail economic policies of the previous administration(s), corporate greed and individual ignorance.
"Thanks, but no thanks..."
Yeah, we've heard this several times before from palin. Word and deed are hardly the same thing, but that she's on record FIRST for saying this gives her plenty of leeway to act however she chooses in the future.
"Yes, I did say that...but...(enter excuses)."
If we're going to turn down the dough- which isn't going to happen- then we need to do something to keep our heads afloat during this time of crisis.
So...palin...where's the plan??
I say take the money. Implement a statewide salestax. Tax the bejesus out of Big Oil, or send them out of the state and we'll do the work ourselves. Cap the heroin (good one!) that is the PFD, and turn that money back to fund these "unsustainable" programs that we're somehow so fearful of.
Good or bad- just some thoughts. Better than the campaign slogans that palin keeps regurgitating.
To refuse projects and grants that the grandchildren of Alaskans will have to pay for serves no purpose. The money will be spent here or elsewhere. Being against spending it at all, and refusing it so that it will be spent elsewhere are two completely different things.
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