Sen. Mike Crapo
Idaho’s two U.S. senators are telling the state’s legislators not to count on federal dollars from a proposed stimulus package they say is too expensive.
Sen. Jim Risch says lawmakers should operate as if the stimulus doesn’t exist, while a spokesman for Sen. Mike Crapo says a GOP filibuster is possible.
The House voted last week to approve President Barack Obama’s $819 billion dollar combination of tax cuts and new spending. No Republicans voted for the measure, and both Idaho Congressmen – Republican Mike Simpson and Democrat Walt Minnick – voted against it, citing concerns about the level of spending.
Senate debate begins this week – Democrats themselves don’t have enough votes to end a filibuster.
Like many states, Idaho is faced with tough budget decisions in the current economic crisis. So far lawmakers have cut about $150 million – or 5 percent – from the original 2009 appropriation amid shrinking revenues. (AP)
