Gov. Sarah Palin dropped the hammer today on $80 million from the state budget. Her cuts include the $28.6 million in federal stimulus money designated for energy relief. Even though Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage municipalities are already complying with the federal building codes, Palin turned money down for weatherization and energy assistance to avoid the building requirements statewide. The governor of Missouri, Jay Nixon, negotiated taking the money without a statewide code.
Alaska has the highest energy costs in the nation. Alaska has two seasons; winter and construction. Now would be the best time for window replacement, weatherization, etc.
In a "bring it on" move, Palin dared the legislature to over-ride her veto. I just spoke to a state legislator about the chances of a special session being called. It is possible, if not, the next session is January 2010.
Last fall, Governor Palin allocated $740 million in one time "energy bail-out" checks to every citizen in Alaska.
This year, $28.6 million is turned down.
Alaska loses.
Democratic Alaska Senator Mark Begich responded quickly, pointing out the hypocrisy of the Governor's position, asking for earmarks and rejecting the stimulus.
"With Alaskans facing the highest energy prices in the nation, it's disappointing that our governor is turning thumbs down on federal funding that could help our families and communities reduce their energy bills."The Republican-led Alaska Legislature determined that our state already meets the standards necessary to accept this funding. This notion about some onerous federal mandate seems to be little more than a political red herring targeted at an agenda other than Alaska's.
"Of the more than nearly $5 billion in requests from Alaska communities and non-profits for federal funding my office has received so far this year, I'd estimate a third of them relate to reducing energy costs. My agenda will continue to be securing federal assistance to help Alaska families reduce their high cost of living."
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I can not really write what I think of Palin, It would be considered abusive.
So, I will just say she is wrong, wrong, wrong.
She's negotiating to be a one-term Governor.
I do not think she will even run again, her ego would stand up to a loss.
That is her ego would NOT stand up to a loss.
Why would Alaska need the money? They've got all that revenue coming in from the oil pipeline being up there.
Palin should have accepted the money to help Native American villages deal with Alaska's ferocious winters in an ecologically and economically effective manner.
Palin was too busy politicking to visit (or even send a representative) to Native American villages last winter when native Alaskans were freezing and suffering from food shortages because of Cheney's farewell oil price run-up late last summer. Did she ever get around to declaring a state of emergency so these people could qualify for emergency funds? Not that I've heard. Thank heavens for bloggers and nonprofits who pulled together and got emergency rations up there.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45538795204 http://www.themudflats.net/2009/01/17/rural-alaska-in-crisis-the-real-tragedy-of-troopergate/#comments
As a side, will Palin pocket the millions she is getting from this book deal and still beg the public to pay for her legal defense fees?
Probably.....and there are probably some dumb enough to send her money as she stockpiles her new found fortune.
Fine. Alaska shouldn't be getting any stimulus hand outs anyway. Her state is already greatly enriched by federal dollars and subsidies as it is.
Fine then...! Let her eat cake...or rather moose burger!
Sarah Palin will make a perfect replacement for Bush. She lacks any ability to actually think, so Cheney could be her "vice president" as well. She can tell jokes and entertain the r i c h people and Cheney can keep us in the dark ages and possibly even destroy the chances for the continuation of humanity.
Palin will make a perfect replacement for Bush. She lacks any ability to actually think, so Cheney could be her "vice president" as well. She can tell jokes and entertain the r i c h people and Cheney can keep us in the dark ages.
A nations (state) is only as good as it's leaders.
Alaska got Palin - those dimwits
You are correct, sir.
Palin is all about Palin. She wins the prize for Narcissist of the Year! If there were such an award, I am quite sure she would accept it and wear the crown proudly...
When are the people in Alaska going to catch on to the fact that Sarah Palin could care less about Alaska. Everything she has done since her VP bid has been geared towards enhancing her conservative qualifications to run for higher office. She could care less if people are starving in Alaska.
ah Leave it to ADN to have funny comments... It might actually work, if alaska wasn't a welfare state in the first place... Or had a complete nimrod for G.INO...
From ADN
dspetersonak wrote on 05/21/2009 02:20:11 PM:
Way to go Palin. I wish more governors would have vetoed this. You cannot buy yourself out of debt! it only goes to put you furter into debt. Our kids will be paying for our mistakes 10 years down the road. The only wayto get out of debt is by CUTTING pay, CUTTING budgets, CUTTING executive level jobs, etc. Unlike most of the lower 48, at least Alaska isn't in the hole.
This is the correct response to Sarah and why she is the way she is.
Annieoakley wrote on 05/22/2009 12:06:06 PM:
weewillie wrote on 05/22/2009 11:30:10 AM:
hmm who do you think palin is emulating? I can't even begin to think it is a person we respect- so who could it be
"a Black widow
But instead of this time it being her mate.... it is the Residents of Alaska".
How about Palin cutting some of the taxes on the oil companies since 80% of the revenues comes from them? Then, with less to spend, government will be forced to cut. Of course, it will have to also cut those socialist redistributionist checks that every citizen gets. too.
Cutting pay? Cutting executive level jobs? Exactly how does cutting pay help the economy and struggling families. Oh gee....we are going to pay you less so you can't affort to pay your bills and your mortgage. Ya, that will help.
What a brainiac.
ADN has some really award winning posts in redundancy and stupidity... Usually I'm too scared to go in there because of the SP supporters. They don't see logic, nor common sense as required capabilities when making decisions.
Palin is merely following a prescribed script developed by key GOP strategists. She lacks the intellect to have come up with this on her own.
What's going on: some shrewd constitutional lawyers are raising the question as to whether the federal government can usurp a state governor's authority under state rights.
Also, whether state legislators have the legal right to dictate to a governor to accept funds not generated from the state's own tax revenue resources.
While it may be a fascinating scholastic/legal/constitutional circle jerk for lawyers, it's been used as a means by GOP Governors and others to undermine Obama's efforts.......at the expense of their own citizens.
What starts with an F and rhymes with Palin?
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