Voinovich Disappointed That Porkulus Compromise Could Not Be Reached

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) released the following statement today on the inability to reach a responsible bipartisan compromise on an economic stimulus package:

“Our nation and the world need an economic shot in the arm. After spending many days trying to construct a responsible bipartisan alternative to the Democratic stimulus plan, I am disappointed that we were unable to accomplish that.

“My criteria for the stimulus bill were the well-accepted three principles that it be timely, targeted and temporary. In addition, I looked at the package from the perspective of whether or not the items were a federal responsibility, “shovel-ready,” or whether the items should be dealt with through the regular appropriations process. And, last but not least, I focused on whether they responded to the human needs brought about by the deep recession our country is experiencing. These are needs I am familiar with, particularly from my time as mayor of Cleveland when unemployment was nearly 20 percent.

“Unfortunately, there was too much in the Democratic counter proposal that was not stimulative, and that did not provide the jump-start our economy so desperately needs. Instead of funding federal responsibilities like highways, transit and sewers, which would have put people back to work quickly, the counter proposal was weighed down with items that should be funded through the appropriations process and compete with other federal priorities.*

“I appreciate the fact that colleagues on both sides of the aisle spent a great deal of time trying to respond to the concerns of our bipartisan group but I will oppose the bill in its current form. We cannot save the present by mortgaging the future. If we’re going to impose more debt on future generations, then those generations ought to see benefits from how we use that money because they will pay for it.”

*Example: $19.5 billion in the Democratic spending plan for modernization, renovation and repair of schools and colleges. Sen. Voinovich strongly believes this funding falls under the responsibility of state and local governments. This is why he created the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission in 1997 as governor and made the rebuilding of Ohio schools a top priority. Since that time, the Commission has spent $6.9 billion and rebuilt or built 647 schools