Submitted by: Elaine Karsner

Cut the stimulus strings

IN CALLING for the rejection of a portion of the federal economic stimulus money authorized for their states, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour are standing up for fiscal prudence and states’ authority to make their own laws.

The stimulus legislation requires states to expand their unemployment compensation coverage as a condition of receiving increased federal funding for unemployment benefits. This means states that accept the money will have to change their laws in order to extend benefits to people who traditionally have been ineligible for unemployment compensation, such as part-time workers and those who leave their jobs for “a compelling family reason.”

Gov. Riley said the $66 million allocated to Alabama for expanded unemployment benefits would run out in four years, leaving the state with a permanent unfunded mandate that would result in a $17-million-a-year tax in crease on employers and possibly employees.

Lee ADDS: You can bet that Obama will spend the money turned down by Governors to further Socialism!