(Rep. Dave) Obey: Stimulus plan falls short for poor

[sabra]

Source: wausau daily herald

WASHINGTON — Rep. Dave Obey said an economic stimulus deal between President Bush and House leaders "is good as far as it goes," but added it would still leave many low-income people struggling with higher energy bills and unemployed workers without extra financial aid if a weak economy means a longer job search.

In a statement, Obey blamed the president for the omissions in the package announced Thursday by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

"I am disappointed and angered that the president has blocked" extension of jobless benefits for the long term unemployed, more home-heating aid, additional money to states to avoid cuts in Medicaid health insurance for low-income people and extra money for sewer, water and transportation modernization projects to generate jobs, Obey wrote.

Obey, a Democrat from Wausau, is chairman of the House's budget appropriations committee.

...

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he expects the package to change after the House sends it to the Senate.

Senate committees will "improve the House package by adding funds for other initiatives that can boost the economy immediately, such as unemployment benefits, nutrition assistance, state relief and infrastructure investment," Reid said in a statement.



Read more: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/WDH0101/80125062/1981

[AllyCat]

1. He's right. I read an excerpt from his book about how the Catholic Church

fought him when he (a Catholic) sided with abortion-rights activists in the '70s because despite his personal beliefs, he felt it was necessary for the rights of the American people to have access to abortion.

I'd like to read the rest of his book now.

I'm glad he's speaking out about this and I hope the Senate makes some changes to this bill. Pelosi pretty much gave in to every one of Shrub's demands and left the poor hanging in the chill wind.

[pansypoo53219]

2. i just happened to catch

the interview he had with brian lamb on cspan. it looks like a very interesting book. he kept notes for years. smart he is.

[whistle]

3. ...And this surprises why?

[LibDemAlways]

4. My parents live on Social Security and a small pension.

There is nothing in this for them, and they need it way, way more than I do.

What a sham.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

5. So Obey (right name) accepts the idiot as an absolute dictator.

One nitwit monkey stops the show. Why is the government wasting hundreds of millions funding congress when it is totally subservient to the whim of the fucking idiot in the White House.