Rejecting Unemployment Benefits : Four Governors Take a Risky Stand

Unemployment in the US has now reached a 25 year high and isn’t showing any signs of stopping. Four Republican governors, however, are taking a strong stand against accepting federal money in the stimulus bill intended to help those in need.

The numbers are quite sobering :

8.55% – national unemployment rate

13.2 Million – number of unemployed Americans

2 Million – number of jobs lost this year

5.1 Million – jobs lost since the recession began

663,000 – jobs lost in March 2009

South Carolina governor Mark Sanford was the first of the four to lead the way in rejecting federal stimulus money. In total, he is said to be rejecting aout $700 Million in aid. A fierce opponent to Preisdent Obama’s stimulus package, he has been widely criticized for his position, with his state having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, 11%.

He has said that, in the long run, the money will hurt the federal budget deficit, as well as hurt his state’s economy.

“We need to look longer term and much more holistically at the notion of economic stimulus.”

Some, like Democrat James Clyburn, have accused the governor of using his position to posture himself for a future presdential run.

“As South Carolina’s unemployment rate is rising to double digits, parents are losing their jobs and families are losing their homes,” Clyburn said. “Governor Sanford will sleep well at night because he has improved his ‘conservative record’ and raised his national profile.”

Like Sanford, Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal has also drawn his fair share of attention for his refusal to accept federal money. With his state’s unemployment rate sitting at 5.7%, estimates have s hown that the funds he is rejecting could help u to 25,000 residents. Jindal’s main complaint is that accepting the money would require a change in state law.

He has stated he is only helping the unemployed who already qualify for unemployment benefits. Jindal is rejecting $100 Million designated for his state.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced she would be rejecting $288 Million dollars for her state. WHile the largest sum of money is intended for educational services, she is also rejecting  money for emergency food assistance, unemployment services, and homeless grants. Her state currently has an 8% unemployment rate.

Texas Governor Rick Perry is refusing the largest amount of money, $556 Million. He has complained tha the money, which would help the unemployed in his state, comes with too many strings attached. His state, which has an unemployment rate of 6.5%, covers the smallest number of unemployed.

The unemployed in these four states aren’t without hope, however.  James Clayburn wrote a clause in the stimulus package allowing state legislators to accept money refused by their respective governors

The Alaska state legislature has already bypassed Palin in efforts to get the federal funds.

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