Gov. Schwarzenegger is a fan of the stimulus measure.
(CNN) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday declared President Obama's stimulus plan is "terrific," an assessment that sharply differs from many of his Republican colleagues.
In an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Schwarzenegger said he welcomes his state's share of the massive $787 billion package, believing it could create as many as 400,000 new jobs.
"We welcome this economic stimulus package. I think it's terrific and will help us," the California governor said. "We were happy even though there's…people complaining. It's not what they envisioned, but what is? The people will give you 1,000 different answers.
"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it," he also said.
Schwarzenegger's comments differ sharply from those of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who earlier on State of the Union said he would turn down some of the stimulus money because it could lead to future spending requirements from his state.
Specifically Barbour took issue with extensions to unemployment benefits called for in the package, which he believes the state will have to finance after the federal funds run out.
But Schwarzenegger disagreed, suggesting the added unemployment benefits can be cut off once the economy rebounds.
"If you promise people this money will come next year and the year after that, you'll have a major problem," he said. "But if you use the money for one-time spending…it cannot hurt."
From CNN Politics
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Well, what would one expect from Arnold – he is in big trouble and is only thinking of himself. If her really cared about his state he would look deeply at the bill and be Concerned about the long term implications. Quick fixes never work.
If Arnold keeps making this much sense I might have to vote for his probable senate run, even though I'm a democrat.
Arnold's state is broke. Of course he's going to love the free money coming from the other 49 states!
SPREAD the WEALTH to avoid the CATASTROPHE!
CRISIS! CRISIS! CRISIS!
DON'T ASK QUESTIONS, JUST SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!
LOL – Of course he wants the money, his state is so BROKE they have to take it...
With California's over regulated, over spending – 40 billion dollar deficit, 11 (plus) Billion dollars from national taxpayers directly to the state goes a long way!
Where was Barbour and others when Bush and Paulson were stuffing the pockets of CEOs with stimulus money.
Not one complaint.
Obama is trying to fix the economy while the Republican do nothing except complain.
Party politics as usual.
Who cares what Rush Limbaugh thinks? Is he the self proclaimed leader of the people? He's just another MOUTH out of which nothing good comes.I give credit to my governer to see that some positive things are happening, and isn't afraid to give credit where credit is due!
A way to go Arnold. Now what are your homies saying now?
Seeing Arnold here makes me think of the futuristic movies like Terminator,the cities like L.A. or New York are always destroyed and the people are in the streets running around mindlessly,I always wondered why it was depicted like that,now I think I know.We are headed that way fast.
Since the state of Ca probably gets more money by far than any other state Arnold is correct but he is being very selfish. This will be at the expense of many other sates.
Also most of the home speculation that caused the housing crisis occurred by a far greater percentage in several key states of which CA is the all time leader.
@ Mberwa N.Y.
I'm as concerned as you are about Lush Limbaugh. But let's not forget America's two sweethearts... Sarah Palin and Ann Coulter. Wonder how they feel about it ? Tune into the FAUX News Network and find out.
Hey, Arnold never said "no" to the stimulus. He always supported it.
I really don't understand how getting into more debt is going to solve the problems that debt got us into in the first place. Any economist worth listening to is saying these "bailouts" are a mistake.
I think politicians in general are clueless – republican or democrat – and the fact is the repercussions to the decisions they make now to pile on debt will be felt by me and my children, not them. Very easy to sign a bill today and swipe the credit card – paying it off, well that's the hard part.
I really don't care what Arnold says, or what any politician says. Arnold has no fianancial worries, and politicians' pensions are secure (including cost of living increases). When they have a plan for how to pay all of this new debt off, then maybe I'll start listening.
WOW, A REPUBLICAN THAT BELIEVES IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST, AND SPECIAL INTERESTS SECOND! YOU GO MARIA, WOOP ARNOLD INTO SHAPE!
I don't think he really cares about being shunned. He's term limited, and has probably become fed up with politics.
the republicans who are trying to tear it apart and voting against it are just mad they could not put it together. they are bad losers. its all polotics they are once again looking out for their own skin instead of the good of the country. bunch of pathetic has-been conservatives.
With as much money as Cali is getting, it's no surprise their Gov likes the plan.
Thank you Arnold! Hope your party doesn't turn on you too hard for speaking your mind contrary to their strategy of obstruction.
I had very serious doubts about Arnold Schwarzenegger ever becoming a competent governor. But recent events have shown him to be a very practical and pragmatic fellow. This bodes well for Californians of every political stripe.
And I agree with Kim's comment that perhaps Arnold can talk some sense into the more moderate members of the GOP. (That is, if there are any left!)
No nonsense Arnold. Just tell it like it is, even if it's political suicide and the public does not want to hear it.
I completely agree Matt. Good Ol' W was really a bum president.
It is sad that there are people who will not support President Obama regardless of his performance. Too many people are hung up on their political party than doing what is right for the country. Many Americans need to open their eyes and their minds.
Of course he is going to say hooray.. look at how much that state is in debt... His state is getting the most money... keep cheering folks... more kool aid please more kool aid... The terminator doesnt want to get terminated so he will agree to take the money.. thats the only reason....
time to stop paying my mortgage.. let you happy people pay it instead...
those states that dont want to accept the stimulus offered are the ones that allow the illeagles to take our jobs here and send the jobs over seas. it is a shame to put illegals first.....giving homes, jobs and lives while leaving our children and families out
deemed appropriate is in the fine print.. that means must be pro-Obama huh???
"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it," he also said.
Thank you! A true reflection of what it means to be there for Country first at time of crises!
Arnold campaigned to recall our Governor Davis to repeal the vehicle license tax hike from Governor Davis. It was a corner stone of his campaign. Fast forward to 2009 and guess Governor Schwarzenegger did: signed the vehicle license tax hike into effect. So much for party politics. Fact is Governor Schwarzenegger wouldn't approve the fictional income numbers like he did last year. Let's make up income so the numbers balance and get it passed. Thus we had an every worse deficit this year. He did ok. This is his last term. He doesn't need the Republican party. He has a life and career outside of politics.