Palin
rejects over 30% of stimulus money
By SEAN COCKERHAM
Condensed by Native Village
JUNEAU -- Gov. Sarah Palin is
refusing to accept over
30% of the
federal economic stimulus money offered
to Alaska. This includes dollars for
schools, energy assistance and social
services.
Palin
is refusing about
$288,000,000
of the
$930,700,000
that Alaska is due. Palin said she will accept
federal stimulus money for construction
projects, but not monies directed at
government operations.
"We are not requesting funds intended
to just grow government," Palin said.
"In essence we say no to operating funds
for more positions in government."
Palin
is turning down money for:
 |
|
weatherization |
energy efficiency grants |
immunizations |
air quality grants |
emergency food assistance |
|
homeless grants |
senior meals |
child care development
grants |
nutrition programs |
homeless grants |
|
arts |
unemployment services |
air quality |
justice assistance grants |
other programs |
 The biggest single chunk of money that
Palin is turning down is about
$170,000,000
for education. This includes funds for programs to help economically
disadvantaged and special needs
students. Anchorage School
Superintendent Carol Comeau is "shocked
and very disappointed" that Palin would
reject the schools money. She said it
could be used for job preservation,
teacher training, and helping kids who
need it.
Palin said it's not a gift when
Congressional dollars come with strings
attached that increase government and
require states to follow federal
mandates. "To me it's a bribe," she
said.
 Palin
added that her decision on education
money will draw the most heat, and she
won't be surprised if the Legislature tries to change it.
She says she will work with them if the
legislature wants to accept some of the
money. While
Alaska's
state Legislature can completely
override Palin's actions, she may
enforce her veto power if they do.
The news drew anger from those who
accuse Palin of putting her national
political aspirations ahead of state
interests. Others admire her courage for
turning down money that would expand
government.
]
|
Anchorage Democratic Rep. Les Gara said
it's bad governing not to improve
schools and reduce unemployment for two
years just because the funds might not
last forever.
He suggested that Palin is pandering to
voters outside Alaska to further her
national political ambitions. "I'm
worried the governor is taking this sort
of national political stance, which is
that she's going to be the opposite of
Barack Obama on everything," Gara said.
Sitka Republican Sen. Bert Stedman
suggested a combination of factors could be
at work. "She's got the best interests
of the state and her career at heart," he
said. Stedman said legislators will take a
close look at what Palin has done but that
it's too soon to pronounce judgment.
Acting Anchorage Mayor Matt Claman is
disappointed
that Palin refused funding to create
jobs and maintain services. "Her
rationale is like turning down a gift
card because it expires in two years,"
Claman said in a written statement.
Republican State House Speaker, Mike
Chenault, said Governor Palin could have
a point in not taking the money.
"There's a number of us that have the
same concerns about what it does to our
budget in the future." But
Chenault said the federal education
money, in particular, could be good to
have.
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich (D) called on
state legislators to accept the stimulus
money. "I trust the legislature will do
the right thing and take Alaska's share
of the money for education in the
economic recovery package," he said. "We
owe it to our children to give them the
most opportunities possible, and this is
money fairly allocated to Alaska in this
stimulus package."
Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski
agreed with Gov. Palin to take stimulus
monies for transportation and other
infrastructure projects because they
will create jobs. |
http://www.adn.com/palin/story/729504.html
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