Which Way’s Up?

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal surveyed the sea of rising unemployment in his state and from a top his ivory tower extended a large middle finger in their general direction.  The thought bubble over his head read, “I see you suffering and I just don’t give a rats ass.”  But the words from his press release read:

The Governor said the state will not use a portion of the stimulus package that requires the state to change its law to expand unemployment insurance (UI) coverage to qualify for up to $32.8 million of the federal stimulus funding because it ultimately would result in a tax increase on Louisiana businesses. Qualifying for the $32.8 million provision is a precondition for being considered for another $65.6 million of federal unemployment insurance funds in the federal package, which would also require permanent changes to Louisiana law and additional annual spending.

He further adds that:

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), based on claims filed during 2008, the $32.8 million would run out in under three years and from that point on, the state would be required to pass along the cost of more than $12 million a year for supporting this expansion of benefits to Louisiana businesses.

So Bobby wants to turn down nearly $100 million dollars for the unemployed in Louisiana because in three years it could cost $12 million dollars a year to continue this expansion.  

Or Bobby could take the money and give it to the unemployed, thereby propping up private spending in his state for three years.  After which, if he deems it too expensive the benefits can return to their previous size and not require any increase in state taxes.

But instead Bobby’s turning down $100 million because in three years it could cost him $12 million.  Isn’t that a bit like turning down a bequeathment because you have to pay taxes on it?  Seems to me that Bobby is just looking to make some headlines, and has succeeded.  It’s good to see that there are still Republicans out there that are fiscally conservative enough to reject $100 million out of a possible $3 to 4 billion dollars in federal assistance (or 2 percent-ish).  And conservative enough to make sure it’s the most down trodden that pay the heaviest price.  It really does seem like a fresh face with fresh answers.  Against stem cell research, pro-life without exceptions, loves the PATRIOT Act, and always thinks tax cuts are the first and only solution.  Seems like the new GOP to me.

whichwayisup Politics 2012 elections, Bobby Jindal, fresh faces of the GOP, Republicans, Stimulus, the poor