Sanford Still Undecided on Taking Stimulus Money
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Standford on Stimulus
Standford on Stimulus
Governor Sanford said Thursday “being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money.“
Published: February 19, 2009
Updated: February 20, 2009
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford remains undecided on whether to take money from the massive economic stimulus package.
The Republican - who is opposed to the idea - appeared on CBS News Thursday morning.
“Being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money,“ said the governor during an appearance on The CBS Early Show. The Associated Press reported earlier Thursday morning that Sanford would accept the federal money. That was included in an earlier version of this report.
Sanford has been one of several Republican governors who have stated their opposition to the $787 billion measure that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
“I think the problem that was created with too much debt will never be solved by adding yet more debt,“ said Sanford on CBS. “I think there are a number of wrinkles that have caused a number of us to say ‘Wait a minute, let’s take a long look at whether or not this really makes sense for our state.‘“
District Six Representative James Clyburn - a Democrat - has exchanged harsh words with Governor Sanford over accepting the federal money.
In fact, governors who reject some of the stimulus aid may find themselves overridden by their own legislatures because of language Clyburn included in the bill that allows lawmakers to accept the federal money even if their governors object.
“The people of South Carolina are paying taxes every day. They’re paying their fair share of taxes and you’re telling me that tax money’s going to come down there and, if the governor decides not to use it, it goes back up to Washington to be redistributed to these other states? Well that’s the most silly thing I’ve ever heard in my life,“ Rep. Clyburn told reporters in Columbia Thursday.
Some of the governors who have opposed taking the stimulus money are speculated to be considering runs for The White House in 2012.
South Carolina could receive up to ten billion dollars in stimulus money according to The State newspaper. The White House claims the package will save or create 50,000 jobs in the state.
Governor Mark Sanford told Maggie Rodriguez on “The Early Show” the Republican Governors’ Association may recommend states in need refuse the Obama stimulus over their concerns about spending.
Portions of reports by CBS News and The Associated Press were used in this story
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Reader Reactions
If Gov. Sanford is willing to let South Carolina’s share of the relief money be distributed to other states he should pack his bags and clear out of the Govenor’s mansion. What has he ever done for South Carolina anyway?
If he really wants to help our state, he should take the money. If he wants to stand in our way, then don’t take the money. It’s time to put politics aside, and do what’s right for the people. We are never going to recover from this recession if the GOP doesn’t stop with their petty differences. With the schools, and the unemployment in the shape they’re in, surely he could find a place for the money. It’s time to rally around our President, pull this Country together, and start working towards the ultimate goal…Educating our Children, and putting our people back to work.
First Sanford needs to take the money if we have to pay it back anyway, second why is so much given to SCDOT, where exactly is my $75.00 every year going. I have 3 cars I pay taxes on every year and most families have at least 2 cars so where is that money going. On my taxes it says SC Road Fee, so if that yearly $75.00 is not going to the roads, which my tires would attest that it isn’t, where does it go?
This is a a typical GOP knee jerk reaction. For eight years they have shown that they can not lead. They have failed the American people time and time again. Now they not only can they not lead they can’t even follow. How about trying something new and just get out of the American people’s way. GOP should stand for Get Out of Politics. This is now become the national party of obstruction.
Might as well just take it, because if you dont, The Govt will just waste it some other way trust me!
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