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."
So, I will just say she is wrong, wrong, wrong.
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
Probably.....and there are probably some dumb enough to send her money as she stockpiles her new found fortune.
Alaska got Palin - those dimwits
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.
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".
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.