Given the opposition to federal stimulus legislation we've seen from Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady, it's worth noting that a neighboring state's high-profile GOP governor is now seeking nearly $435 million of those exact funds. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration is applying for $207 million in Medicaid funding and another $227 million in education dollars thanks to the $26 billion state aid package that went into effect earlier this month -- largely due to the votes of House and Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama's support.
Brady, on the other hand, called the bill "typical Washington games" and said he opposed its passage. But the legislation will give state governments a much-needed boost. The Quinn Administration is seeking around $1 billion for Illinois, including $415 million to support an estimated 5,700 teaching jobs and up to $550 million in health care for the poor. Perhaps Daniels, a critic of the Obama Administration's stimulus programs, including the latest package, needs to give his would-be Illinois counterpart a call to discuss the fiscal realities state governments are facing right now.
As
the showdown over collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin heads through the courts, national Democrats are taking up the fight in Indiana.