Posted on 02/12/2009 8:36:02 PM PST by Jim Robinson
The “gang of three” — liberal Republican Sens. Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, and Susan Collins — who handed President Obama the stimulus bill he so desperately needed, apparently sacrificed billions in tax cuts during final negotiations over the measure in order to reduce its cost.
The compromise bill — which may be ready for President Obama’s signature as early as Monday — also stripped America’s ailing businesses of tax benefits and other incentives.
“From auto dealers to the home-building industry, big business appears to be the biggest loser in the final economic stimulus plan . . .” The Wall Street Journal online reported, noting that Democrats removed key tax cuts and benefits for business as political payback for Republicans who failed to support the plan.
Though Republicans who crossed party lines apparently got rewarded. The New York Times reported Thursday that Sen. Specter got $6.5 billion for medical research. The Senator is ailing from cancer.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Huh? 61-3=58. Check your math.
Yeah, Collins and Snowe are definitely not precious to me. They’re just creating a permanent underclass.
1993, Bill Clinton's first budget, not one Republican vote.
I am the dumas..True.
Collins reply: February 13, 2009
Dear X
Thank you for contacting me with your views regarding the economic stimulus package. I appreciate your taking the time to do so.
Our nation is in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis. We have witnessed the collapse of the housing market, the unraveling of our nation’s financial institutions, and the evaporation of trillions of dollars that have been invested in the stock market and other retirement and investment funds. I have heard from far too many Mainers who have had to delay their retirement plans because they no longer have the nest egg for which they worked so hard.
Every day, we hear more reports of massive job losses in communities all across America, and Maine is no exception. Our state’s unemployment rate has risen to seven percent, the highest level in 16 years.
I agree with many economists that it is critical that Congress pass an economic stimulus bill to boost the economy and create jobs. Earlier versions of the House and Senate economic stimulus bills were, however, far too expensive and bloated. These versions also included too many provisions that may well be worthwhile, but are more appropriately funded in a regular appropriations bill. That is why I joined with Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and a group of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Senator Olympia Snowe, to craft a compromise bill. As a result of our hard work and weeks of negotiations, a group of Democrats and Republicans working together were able to reach a compromise on a more fiscally responsible economic stimulus plan that will cost $100 billion less than previous versions considered by the House and Senate.
While this bill is by no means perfect, it will go a long way toward creating jobs and addressing the dire economic challenges faced by our nation.
It is estimated that this bill will create or save 3.5 million jobs in Maine and nationwide over the next two years. Much of this bill will fund transportation, energy and other infrastructure projects that will result in job creation. It includes a temporary increase in federal Medicaid dollars, which will bring $470 million for Maine over the next 27 months. And it provides a significant funding increase for the Pell Grant program, special education funding, and a State Stabilization fund to help states deal with their serious budget shortfalls.
The bill also includes crucial tax relief for low and middle-income families, tax incentives for small businesses, and an increase in safety net programs, as well as funding for energy efficiency and alternative energy development programs.
Given the substantial investment the federal government is making in this stimulus, it is critical that the taxpayers’ money be spent properly. It is for this reason I have pushed throughout the negotiations for measures to ensure the money is wisely spent, including additional funding for agency Inspectors General, the Government Accountability Office, and the creation of a “Recovery Act Transparency Board.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I, along with the Committee’s Chairman will soon hold the first Committee hearing on safeguards to protect against waste, fraud, and mismanagement and to ensure accountability and transparency.
Again, thank you for contacting me. This bill will go a long way toward creating jobs and addressing the dire economic crisis faced by our nation.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins
United States Senator
I received one of those emails from McCain;s staff indicating that he is raising money now for his re-election to the Senate, and I emailed back to tell his staff there’s no way us true Conservatives would send him money, and the the only reason there was any enthusiasm about the last election was because of Governor Palin.
The other part he was told was that certain groups would not be part of the rationing. Government and elite powers would be excluded.
Stalin would be proud.
...That's $15/wk for you family 'paycheck cashers', $8/wk for single 'paycheck cashers', and $20/month for us retirees and vets. (note to single moms who voted for '0')
Maine's Payola for being Dems in Rep clothing.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-05-21-two-maines_x.htm
The governor in Maine has kept Maine unfriendly to “any” business. Collins has brought jobs (BIW)when no one else has in her years as Senator and that is why she was reelected overwhelmingly over MoveOn.org’s Tom Allen.
She has helped the fishing industry as well.
As I said I was not for this package as a “whole”, but I am seeing some pretty desperate people right now that have lost jobs in the home building field selling say for example a Nail gun to pay for gas to get to work. Back to swinging a hammer if they have a job at all.
Maine is full of pretty independent people, so when they ask for help for their families—that's desperate. Fuel costs are high and they can't pay their heating bills. Maine has had a very cold winter.
Maine is also made up of the older generation that may have lived in the same home all their lives, passed down from their family before. They can't pay their taxes thanks to a governor who has raised fees across the board with a spending problem. The Bush administration had the same spending problem. The schools have bled Maine dry.
The poor Maine is best described In the Beans of Egypt Maine by Caroline Shute.
Coastal Maine is another animal.
I can disagree..but appears those in charge under the Bush administration, not the President himself, as he had grave concerns. But the lies of Frank and friends have caused many to suffer with no way out from states that have overspent causing us all in every state to clean up their mess. Each state should be able to take care of its own. But failed local and state governments has placed the burden on the federal government.
Collins has never been one of the elite crowd..she's a pretty common person with hands on understanding of issues for her state.
The Payola comment (typical talk show host tag words for the week) means your bumper sticker rhetoric is as bad as the Libs who gather around them the less knowledgeable on every issue to win votes.
Thought the timing was pretty tacky of McCain..I was pretty curt when the Party gave me a call as well. Running again? Give me a break!
Senator Gregg of New Hampshire, did not vote.
But failed local and state governments has placed the burden on the [failed] federal government. Seems to me we might agree...
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