"I have been clear and consistent about my concerns with accepting economic stimulus funds as our nation incurs tremendous debt," said Governor Palin. "As I am required to certify that stimulus dollars will create new jobs and stimulate the economy, I acknowledge the legislature’s action. And now I must make sure that, by applying for funds that they’ve resolved to accept, we do not grow government but instead put people to work and grow Alaska’s private-sector economy."The Governor said that she's satisfied that Alaska's House and Senate finance committees provided her state's citizens with ample opportunity to express their opinions on the federal money, conducting nearly 20 public hearings on the matter. She also said that the committees worked closely with her administration to research various aspects of the stimulus bill:
"We provided the public with the opportunity to weigh in and for them to understand the complicated and evolving federal requirements in this package," Governor Palin said. "My concern remains that we must acknowledge these are one-time, temporary funds, that the federal government is deeply in debt, and that we must borrow money from other countries to fund much of government."Gov. Palin seems confidant that the legislature understands that the stimulus funds should be used to generate new private sector jobs - not to create new services or programs. She is satisfied with the inclusion of the following language into one of the measures, HB199:
"The state will not be granting additional funds to continue the programs after the federal aid is exhausted."Again, the full press release from the governor's office is here.
- JP
Well, what are the going to say now???
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