Colorado Technical University

Do you think your tax dollars?

should go to help cities that do not insure the money is used for US taxpayers? " WASHINGTON – A new analysis shows that California would get a whopping $21.5 billion under an economic stimulus plan that's expected to be approved by the House next week, making it the biggest winner among the 50 states. That's according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which analyzed the new spending proposals offered by House leaders. Don't take that money to the bank quite yet because the numbers are moving targets. Congressional offices were still trying to digest the mammoth package on Friday. And the Senate has yet to offer its plan. And even though the proposed amount is equal to about half of California's projected $40 billion state budget deficit over the next 17 months, it's unclear how much of the federal aid would close the state gap. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is not recalibrating his budget assumptions to account for federal dollars because it remains unclear what amount of money California will ultimately receive and in which form, said Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer. He does not want leaders to reduce cuts or tax increases with an undefined pot of federal money in current state budget talks, Palmer said. The governor's proposed budget includes $4.7 billion in borrowing that the state would have to repay by June 2011, and Palmer said Schwarzenegger's "first priority" for federal money would be to eliminate the need for that loan. State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said earlier this week that the federal funding California receives "will be significant and essential, but it will be additive to the cuts we make and the revenues we're able to gain." Whatever happens, it's clear that states are in line for a big chunk of money under the Democratic proposals floating in Washington. On Thursday, staffers of the House Transportation Committee estimated that California would receive $4.5 billion to spend on highways, bridges and other projects. But that's only a small part of the overall package, as the new numbers make clear. Other stimulus money would be aimed at programs for child care, job training and energy assistance for the poor, among other things. House Democrats say the overall package would create or save up to 4 million jobs in the next two years. Under the House Democratic plan, the biggest source of aid to states – $79 billion – would be reserved for a state fiscal stabilization fund. California would get $7.8 billion under that program alone. The lion's share of the money for the stabilization fund – 61 percent – would have to be spent to support K-12 and postsecondary education, according to the state legislators' conference. The remainder could be spent on public safety and other government services. Some House Republicans are criticizing the scope of the package, which Democrats are promising to finalize by next month. The House Democratic plan also includes $275 billion in tax cuts. " Breaks down as follows... Fiscal Stimulation 7.8 Billion Titile 1 Schools 1.6 Billion Special Education 1.4 Billion Ed Tech 0.1 Billion K-12 Construction 1.7 Billion Child care 0.2 billion Highways 2.8 Billion Clean Water .04 Billion Drinking Water 0.2 Billion Weatherzation 0.2 Billion State Energy 0.2 Billion Medicaid for 2009 1.9 Billion Medicaid for 2010 2.0 Billion http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1569761.html

Public Comments

1. I dont think my tax dollars should be spent on any of this pork. These things wont stimulate the economy. And the money wont be spent for years to come anyway. This is just a permanent, massive increase in taking my money for something i dont think is worth it.
2. They should remove/deport the illegals and only when they prove they can keep them out, should they then give any money to CA. And sanctuary cities should not receive any federal money.
3. If I had my choice, my tax dollars would go towards ridding our country of all illegal immigrants. But, since I have no say in the matter, I will just keep up the fight on forums like YA!
4. We would not have as many Title 1 schools if there was less illegal immigrants in CA. Statistics have shown most Title 1 schools are over 85% latino. Also we wouldn't need more k-12 Construction if illegals weren't having 5-10 kids each! And Medicaid wouldn't need as much money either. I say we use the money to deport and enforce our borders.
5. No state should get aide until they agree to enforce federal laws concerning illegal aliens. Federal money is paid in by Americans and legal residents through taxes, it should not be paid out to states who give sanctuary to illegals. Illegals get enough financial aide. No jobs, no welfare, no housing, no health care. Send them home.