A standoff between Republicans and Democrats in Virginia over the award of more than $125 million in one-time federal stimulus dollars must be resolved — and resolved soon.
Democrats have been busy in recent days hammering Republicans for blocking the award of expanded benefits for Virginians who have lost their jobs. Democrats argue that Republican efforts to block the $125 million in federal stimulus dollars shows the GOP is uncaring about the plight of Virginians suffering from the worst economic downturn in the Commonwealth since the Great Depression.
Republicans, in turn, argue that accepting the $125 million in one-time stimulus dollars will only deepen joblessness in Virginia by increasing taxes on businesses who are already struggling in tough economic times. House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, says the GOP has no interest in revisiting the issue with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.
Kaine, a Democrat, is urging Republicans to reverse course. He alleges the GOP has turned its back on the growing number of unemployed in Virginia.
Howell and Nixon argue the GOP has done plenty for the state’s jobless, including expanding the period for which the jobless can claim benefits, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
While we can understand the argument of both sides of the aisle, it is difficult to deny the fact that people who have become unemployed across Virginia are hurting.
Taxpayers across the Commonwealth have lost their jobs. These are hard-working individuals who are now struggling to support their families without a regular pay check. Individuals who could benefit from the one-time federal stimulus cash payment.
Republicans make a strong case. We, too, are concerned about the massive amount of government spending and corporate bailouts that are threatening to push our country — and our children — into a new level of unprecedented future debt. We understand the concerns expressed by the GOP lawmakers. No one wants to see taxes increased on small businesses that are struggling to make ends meet in a tough economy.
However, arguing their case with the public — and those who have become unemployed as a result of the global economic downturn — won’t be easy.
We believe cooler heads must prevail in the Commonwealth.
Lawmakers who opted to reject the $125 million in one-time federal stimulus dollars may want to reconsider their actions. Folks are hurting in Virginia — especially those who are unemployed.
The individuals and families who are struggling during this tough economic time would surely welcome the extra help.
