Archive for Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Obama vows to help Kansas and other struggling states
December 2, 2008
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In a meeting with the nation’s governors, President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday vowed to enact a recovery plan to help states like Kansas that are struggling with budget deficits because of the souring economy.
“We intend to put tax cuts into the pockets of hard-pressed middle class families in your states. And we intend ... to start making a down payment on the critical investments that are going to be necessary to sustain long-term economic growth as well as pull us out of the current slump,” Obama said as he sat down with governors in historic Congress Hall in Philadelphia.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat who campaigned hard for Obama, presented the National Governors Association’s request for $40 billion to help with health care for the poor and disabled.
“President-Elect Obama made it clear that he wanted input and ideas from governors about the focus and size of the stimulus package which he plans to propose to help get the economy back on track,” Sebelius said in a statement after the meeting.
She said Obama asked for recommendations and reform ideas during a dialogue that lasted nearly two hours.
“I am optimistic that our ideas will help to frame the president-elect's proposals and will be very helpful to Kansas as we cope with continuing to deliver essential services in a declining economy,” Sebelius said.
Because of the recession, Kansas is facing a $147 million budget shortfall that is expected to grow to $1 billion next year.
Numerous cuts, including those in social services, education and highways, have already been announced. Sebelius said that the worsening economy will drive up social service costs.
The bipartisan group of governors also proposed upwards of $136 billion in road projects and other infrastructure needs.
Democratic leaders in Congress say they hope to have the economic stimulus measure ready for Obama’s signature as soon as he takes office Jan. 20.
It’s expected to include funding for infrastructure projects and Medicaid to the states with tax cuts, a temporary increase in food stamp payments, as well as investments in renewable energy projects and other “green jobs” initiatives.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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2 December 2008
at 3:49 p.m.
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srj (Anonymous) says…
How many fires can he/we possibly put out? I feel bad for the states, but someday the printing press will break and we can't print anymore money.
2 December 2008
at 3:53 p.m.
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gdsacco (Anonymous) says…
…among these are life, liberty, and happiness, without the necessity of the pursuit thereof…
2 December 2008
at 4:02 p.m.
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Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
Or we could quit spending so much money.
2 December 2008
at 4:22 p.m.
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RogueThrill (Anonymous) says…
When I look for economic advise I often find it in the comments section of LJWorld.com.
2 December 2008
at 4:25 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Does any state have a budget surplus?
2 December 2008
at 4:31 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
$40 billion- 1 billion________= $39 billionCan you fix some potholes if there is anything left over, Ms. Sebelius, you goddess of Kansas you?
2 December 2008
at 4:32 p.m.
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gdsacco (Anonymous) says…
I'm sure Alaska is in good shape.
2 December 2008
at 4:36 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Blocking coal and asking for a handout. I love you Kathleen Sebelius. You are wonderful! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Has BO contacted you yet about a spot in his machine? And Kathleen, if you need, raise my taxes, regulate the bejesus out of me….I don't care. I just want you to be a successful governor and look good on the books. Take it…take it all. I don't care. Like Obama says, “I love you”. Love me back?
2 December 2008
at 4:38 p.m.
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kidicarus (Anonymous) says…
Once again, Tom is incapable of presenting his point in a rational manner.
2 December 2008
at 4:39 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
It's as rational is it needs to be. If you don't get it, sorry.
2 December 2008
at 5:12 p.m.
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Cap (Anonymous) says…
Reward apathy and penalize prosperity. This chic makes me want to puke. The disabled are deserving. The “poor”……….. are LAZY.
3 December 2008
at 4:21 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
When can I get my million?
3 December 2008
at 7:22 a.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
I just hope he gets a college football playoff and brings revenue-sharing to Major League Baseball.The best 'economic relief package' we've gotten is the drop in fuel prices. Keep that up and more money will be available for consumer spending. But in any case it seems like this guy doesn't realize he's won the election. He keeps promising the moon to everyone.
3 December 2008
at 2:14 p.m.
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KEITHMILES05 (Anonymous) says…
If Kathy was out running around all year perhaps she wouldn't have to ask for a handout.
3 December 2008
at 3:02 p.m.
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Danimal (Anonymous) says…
I totally agree Keith, if Kathy had been in Kansas from February through October maybe she could have been a little better prepared. Nothing wrong with campaigning for someone, but I'll bet she still took the paycheck for a job she wasn't doing while she was out there.