Indiana

?Stimulating? Conversation

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says based on the figures he’s seen, the state could possibly receive up to $3 billion from the federal stimulus package so there’s no need to dip into the state’s reserves to pay for education or other programs.

Daniels made the announcement during a news conference this morning.

The Governor said a breakdown of the plan shows Indiana getting $800 million for education, $750 million for roads and more than $1.75 billion dollars for Medicaid. The Governor cautioned though that any plan regarding the stimulus money should take into account the funding would only last for two years so it should be invested wisely.

He said Indiana was in better shape to use the stimulus dollars because unlike other states, Indiana would not have to spend much keeping existing programs afloat.

Democratic House Speaker was more pessimistic than the Governor saying Indiana should not wait on the federal government to come to its rescue, but instead use some of its own funds right now to create jobs.   He also said the Daniels administration should come to the table with more ideas.

Bauer also accused INDOT Secretary Karl Browning for having a chip on his shoulder following a very tense House Transportation and Roads Committee hearing Thursday where lawmakers voted to transfer money from state road projects to local ones.  Browning said the legislation would hurt the state and it would never see the light of day.   Bauer said Browning should have remembered he works for the taxpayers.

The Governor, defending Browning, said the bill would win the contest for the worst legislation ever proposed this session and if some lawmakers are going to dish out the criticism, they should also be able to take it.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on January 16, 2009 (boomark / email).