Conflicts Grow over Economic Priorities

Published February 27, 2009 @ 12:00PM PT

In this time of crisis, states and local governments are forced to make tough choices, and to do more with less. Stimulus aid to states is estimated to be only 40% of what they need, and as mentioned here in the past, front-line offices are understaffed as needy populations swell.

I'm trying to put all this out of mind on this unusually balmy Friday afternoon here in Boston (it's 58 degrees!), but here's what's happening around the country, as we face this growing economic crisis together. I think it's important to cover protest, rallies and points of conflict so we know what our fellow Americans, especially our low-income brethren, are going through as we struggle with our own economic insecurity.

The showdown in the South grows over whether or not governors will accept stimulus funds to assist the unemployed. The governors, heads of some of the poorest states in the nation, may engage in some political wrangling to prevent their legislatures from overriding their decisions. The issue at hand is that these states will likely have to change their likely punitive eligibility rules so more unemployed can qualify for the funds. It's my understanding that these changes would be temporary; regardless, the unemployed are becoming increasingly furious over what looks like political posturing at their expense. This is a story we'll have to keep our eyes on as it develops.

Slightly West and North in Arizona, small protests have erupted over potential budget cuts affecting the developmentally disabled. Legislators in Nevada are gearing up for a similar "fallout" over mental health cuts. Both states are examples of housing markets so far gone that Obama's plan will have little to no impact.

In OR, unemployed is reaching double digits. State hospital workers protested wage cuts and suggested furloughs, citing already understaffed hospitals as dangerous. In MO, Republicans blocked the Democratic governor's proposal to expand health insurance for kids, shortly after hundreds rallied in support of the bill.

Finally, in NJ, officials are considering cutting property tax rebates even further, though those for seniors would be kept. Especially disappointing is the legislation's consideration of suspending a fee of less than 3% on commercial developers to fund affordable housing. If ever there was a time for more affordable housing and for the work needed to build it, it's now.

(Photo by Oxfam International. I have a much easier time finding anti-poverty protest images from overseas. What does that say about us? Or my search skills?)

Share this Post

Comments (5)

When considering our economic crisis, and trying to balance the budget, perhaps the federal government should examine its "war on drugs" for the massive waste that goes into the failing program. I'm sure, if revamped, that great amounts of money could be found and saved.

Posted by Katie Graves on 02/27/2009 @ 01:00PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
The "war on drugs"... what a joke. Everyone seems to always bring up how much its costing us prison wise. No one seems to bring up the fact that ALL gangs in the US form and support theirselves with drug money... not to mention the killing of innocent people because of turf wars (they dont want anyone else selling drugs on their turf). Also the millions of dollars it takes to hire more police, more paramedics...etc.
And does everyone understand that the majority of these gangs are affiates of the Mexican drug mafia. Hmmm... now we get the the subject of the borders and homeland security... Everyone knows how thats going so I will stop ranting on.....

Posted by Sharon Blasingame on 03/22/2009 @ 02:35PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Like
Reply to thread
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by Katie
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
The problem with this proposed largess from the hard working taxpayers of this country is that they come with strings. Acceptance of this money means a state subjects itself and it's people to greater federal authority. The subject should be debated publicly and voted as referendum in each state. I believe Louisiana needs the money, Alaska probably not.

Posted by Charlie Reed on 02/27/2009 @ 04:09PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by Charlie
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
Miami Construction workers are questioning builders about hiring non-Americans on jobs sites. Florida is an "AT WILL STATE".

Everyday the "veils" of Corporate Slum Dogs are being ripped off. We "the People" are beginning to see for ourselves, what We refused to see before. There is a QUIET RIOT unfolding in America. The "sheep" are beginning to wake up and rationalize, who "We" really are. "We" are the WARRIORS in sheep's clothing!

Is DemocracyNow, with Amy Goodman, still around?

Posted by leatrice brantley on 02/27/2009 @ 06:41PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
It is.

Posted by Leigh Graham on 02/28/2009 @ 06:55AM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Like
Reply to thread
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by leatrice
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply

Add a Comment

For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

Comment

Check Spelling

Email me when there are new posts to this thread
Comment Policy

Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the ideas covered in the posts. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; that contain ad hominem attacks; or that are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion.

Author

Leigh is a PhD candidate in urban planning at MIT, and a consultant on U.S. Gulf Coast recovery. She sits on the Board of the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation in Boston, and has worked with non-profits, foundations and local governments on policies and programs aimed at reducing urban poverty and inequality.