House Dems accuse GOP colleagues of endangering stimulus funds

While the State House did vote to approve $2.1 billion in stimulus funds released by the feds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), House Dems say a move by GOP colleagues could jeopardize the state ever receiving the money.

After the money was approved in a vote, GOP members blocked a vote to make the measure take immediate effect. Legislation that is not given immediate effect by both houses of the legislature has to wait until 90 days after the end of the calendar year in which that legislation was approved. So, in this case, the legislation would not take effect until April of 2010, well beyond the immediate time frame the feds want. The move could also have the feds withdraw the money and redistribute it to other states.

In a House Dems press release, Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) said:

“It is beyond the pale that my colleagues across the aisle took decisive action to delay desperately needed federal funding from reaching our communities and residents who need relief now…This funding is needed to create jobs now for our workers, as well as to help at-risk children, people with disabilities and community programs that help people who are struggling in this tough economy. This is an example of partisan politics at the ugliest level.”

It is possible the House could vote on this issue again. If the Senate approves the measure, with immediate effect, it goes back to the House for another vote. The question is, will Senate Republicans also deny access to the $2.1 billion? Either way, you can bet this vote will be played over and over again in the 2010 election cycle when Reps face re-election, or bid for higher office.