Home

Indiana governor seeks more federal stimulus money

August 27, 2010

Keywords

Economic Stimulus, Federal Government, Governor, State Budget, State Government

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has asked for about $407 million in federal stimulus money for schools and Medicaid, even though he has criticized it.

Daniels has publicly railed against the newly approved $26 billion stimulus package, but his office said Friday that applications had been submitted for about $200 million toward Medicaid and about $200 million for education.

Federal officials said last week that governors must ask for the Medicaid money to get it, which put Daniels and some other Republican governors in a tough spot because they had criticized the new round of stimulus funding.

Daniels said this week that he still questions whether the stimulus package is wise. But he said Congress has acted, so Indiana would seek the money.

IBJ Conversations
2 Comments
Add Comment

a man of convictions

TimAugust 30, 2010 9:35 AM
while I admire a certain level of pragmatism, if the Governor and other Indiana politicians were of such fundamental conviction that the funds were so tainted, then the correct thing to do is not apply for them. But, its easy to blame the Feds and then take the money. A lot like the women who is offended at the suggestion she might prostitute herself, but then demands a higher payment. This reveals much of Daniels' character: a politician not afraid to take the money as long as some other political body has to take the blame for providing it. he can say he didn't increase taxes, all the while using federal money borrowed from the world to fund the programs he and the Republicans wouldn't increase state taxes to provide. They knew they could depend on the Democrats to provide the funds for schools and public safety that they themselves would not provide.

Reply to Comment Flag Comment
My Man Switch

JackOrJillAugust 27, 2010 10:19 PM
I'll take "Stimulus" for 400 (million), Alex.

Reply to Comment Flag Comment