Jindal to reject $98 million, less than Sanford, Perry
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/13/art.jindal.gi.jpg caption="Jindal is rejecting $98 million in stimulus money."](CNN) - In a budget proposal released Friday afternoon, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal indicated he is only rejecting $98 million of the federal stimulus funds due his state.
That figure is far less than the $700 million South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has indicated he may reject if the federal government does not allow Sanford to use that money to pay down his state's debt.
Jindal, an early GOP critic of the stimulus bill, is specifically rejecting funds aimed at expanding unemployment benefits on the belief his state would have to pick up the tab on the provision in two years.
In the budget proposal released Friday, Jindal emphasized the money he is accepting is temporary and a means to ultimately cutting spending.
"It is very important to understand…that federal stimulus funds are temporary funds. As such, they cannot be thought of as a permanent part of our state’s budget," he said Friday, adding, "Federal stimulus funds give us time to reform how the state runs so we can cut spending, ensure we are spending efficiently, and live within our means."
Jindal's announcement also comes a day after Texas Gov. Rick Perry said he would reject the $555 million in federal funds direct to his state to expand unemployment benefits.
"It is very important to understand…that federal stimulus funds are temporary funds. As such, they cannot be thought of as a permanent part of our state’s budget," he said Friday, adding, "Federal stimulus funds give us time to reform how the state runs so we can cut spending, ensure we are spending efficiently, and live within our means."
That sounds like he is supporting the rest of the stimulus plan. For all the noise he made that statement is just mind boggling. One reason I support the plan is for the line Jindal said.
I'm sure all the unemployed people in Louisiana just love him for that. Or maybe it's just his way of solving the employment problems in his state by driving all the unemployed people out.
As usual, it's all about politics and not about the needs of the people. I guess when it hits HOME, the politicians will really understand what it feels like to suffer great needs. The people of Lousiana (especially New Orleans) are in NEED! I have many relatives there.
It's really sad.
another member of the party of NO. people you have to vote things are not going to fix them selves vote vote.
C'mon Bobby... drink that kool-aid.
Seriously, great move! Conservatives applaud your willingness to do what is right in the face of a a federal system out of control.
My family lives in Louisiana and that state is suffering terribly. They are not happy with this governor.
There's plenty of work in LA. The New orlean's Police Dept is begging for people. I don't blame Bobby for turning down the money. The last thing they need is a bunch of lazy hoodlems hanging out drinking, causing trouble and drawing unemployment just because they don't want to work. He's doing the best thing for his state. If they don't want to work, let them go to Detroit or somewhere.
I guess he thinks that his constituents who are in dire need at this time will have starved to death by the time he's up for re-election – so he won't have to worry about their votes. What a jerk.
He's your rising star in the Republican Party!
He spent all of that time talking about how the money is temporary. That is a good reason why he should take it. The benefits would expire when the money ran out.
Fearful for my country
No need for the racist remarks. People don't have jobs because bush wrecked the economy. Jindahl is just forcing the same problem u don't like to exist. Ever heard of fight or flight. Most young people these days have more fight in them and if forced to they will survive. So maybe instead of insults you can get your unemployed buddies to look after their kids finally so we don't have any columbine incidents popping up because people are teasing these kids to the brink because jindahl says their parents have to suck it up.
I can see another person in line for a unemployment check in TX, SC & LA in a couple of years: each one of these governors. Your people are hurting, losing their jobs & homes and you let your party affliation decide their future? What have either of you offered to reduce the situation and help the people you were hired to serve? All I can see is they are trying to keep the people poor in their states. Bush, Cheney, McCain, Palin, Jindal, Perry all should be tried for treason against the country & failing to be truthful to the office they were supposed to uphold.