As part of a DUNK (Double Unemployment No Kids) couple, I’m not sure how to take this news. I understand the dilemma after reading all the article, but….
Tennessee may reject stimulus aid for jobless
Bredesen balks at conditions tied to federal package, long-term costs
Tennessee could reject a portion of the $787 billion economic stimulus package out of concerns that it would force the state to raise taxes on businesses in the future.
At the National Governors Association meetings in Washington, D.C., Gov. Phil Bredesen said this week that he might turn down relief for unemployed workers worth an estimated $143 million because of conditions placed on the money by Congress.
The package would raise unemployment benefits by $25 a week for all workers, but in exchange for the money, lawmakers want states to expand the pool of people who can apply for benefits. That would put more pressure on an unemployment trust fund that is already trying to stave off insolvency.
“We are evaluating this piece of money, whether it makes sense for us to take it,” Bredesen said in an interview Monday with the Chattanooga Times Free Press. “We’re in the position of going back to our legislature this year for changes in our tax structure just to keep our fund whole, and taking it to a new level may be too much of a lift for the legislature this spring.”
Balanced against that is the payment boost unemployed workers could get from the stimulus package.
The plan would give every person claiming unemployment an extra $25 a week through 2009, starting next month.
What about letting those of us on unemployment earn more money each week? Currently, we can earn $65 without losing any benefits. Or could the state let us work part-time to earn extra monies in addition to our unemployment?
Obama gave a very stirring speech last night. I felt inspired. I’m ready to work. I spend a couple of days each week volunteering because I love to contribute to the society that is currently supporting me. This is new territory for me. I’m used to supporting myself.
