Ohio begs for federal lifeline

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

"We're not crying wolf. This is real," [Ohio Governor] Strickland said in an interview in his statehouse office, pointing to charts that project the most serious erosion of state income in 40 years and a two-year budget deficit of $7.3 billion.

...

Strickland recently picked up the telephone and called Rahm Emanuel, the incoming White House chief of staff. When he heard the recorded voice of his former congressional colleague, he left a message: "Rahm, it's Ted. You've never failed me and I need $5 billion."

"There is no question about it," said John Habat, a budget specialist at Cleveland's Center for Community Solutions. "At this point in the financial crisis, federal aid is the only lifeline left for Ohio."

...

Strickland, who has recently looked for inspiration and historical analogies in Franklin D. Roosevelt's depression-era speeches, is preparing a pitch for three chunks of money for the states.

First, he is angling for a $250 billion increase in federal payments for food stamps and Medicaid ... Second, he favors a $250 billion national investment in infrastructure projects.

...

Strickland is teaming with a handful of other Democratic governors to seek a $250 billion infusion for education. The group includes Jennifer M. Granholm (Mich.), Jon S. Corzine (N.J.), David A. Paterson (N.Y.), Jim Doyle (Wis.) and Deval L. Patrick (Mass.).

...

State policymakers are united in saying that any recovery will require federal tax dollars, and lots of them.

As for the telephone call Strickland made to Emanuel, asking for billions: The governor said Emanuel called back and said "something to the effect of, 'I hear you. You may not get everything you want, but you'll get help.' "

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28395932/

[Ban Hammer 14,575]

interesting how everyone is looking for a handout nowadays.

[Amby 490]

maybe joe the plumber can campaign for ohio

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

maybe joe the plumber can campaign for ohio

No kidding, he knows people in the Hill that Joe

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

"Once California goes the rest are sure to follow."

[Donna A 4]

i hope they dont forget to fund the unemployment accounts to cover all of us unemployed people from gm here.

[NickD 203]

Why just Ohio, practically all 50 states are begging for help with exception of those that have oil, but with the prices dropping, they will be having problems too. Chavez is feeling the pinch, hope he gets pinched hard clear out of office.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This brings to mind an opinion on Ohio's state government and it's motto on fiscal policy I read in a local newspaper when we lived there.

The motto: Send it, we'll spend it

[Reba 2]

And just where are those federal tax dollars supposed to come from? bleah...

[Amby 490]

maybe joe the plumber can campaign for ohio

No kidding, he knows people in the Hill that Joe

haha yup he can pull some strings for the people of Ohio with his connections on the Hill