WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Republicans governors were split on Sunday over whether to accept all of the money their states stand to receive from a $787 billion economic stimulus plan which President Barack Obama signed last week.
Three governors of southern states have come out against taking part of the money designated to extend unemployment benefits and perhaps for other programs. A handful of others are considering follow suit.
With the global economy in crisis and unemployment at record levels, Obama made a top priority for his first month in office the package of tax cuts and spending for infrastructure projects and social services including unemployment aid. Only three Republicans in Congress backed its passage, charging Obama and his Democratic party had loaded it up with unnecessary spending and failed to cut taxes enough.
"There is some (stimulus money) we will not take in Mississippi. If we were to take the unemployment insurance reform package that they have, it would cause us to raise taxes on employment when the money runs out, and the money will run out in a couple of years," said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on CNN's "State of the Union."
"Then we'll have to raise the unemployment insurance tax, which is literally a tax on employment. I mean, we want more jobs. You don't get more jobs by putting an extra tax on creating jobs," Barbour said.
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and Louisiana's Bobby Jindal, who has often been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012, have also said they would reject the unemployment funds, which make up a small proportion of the overall package.
Sanford, on "Fox News Sunday" said some of the stimulus money came with strings attached.
"What we would be required to do would be, for the first time, increase the level of benefit for part-time workers. Right now, it's full-time workers -- increase it to part-time workers," he said.
"We can't pay for the benefits already in the program, but to get the stimulus money, we've got to increase the program's size and scale."
Later, speaking to reporters at a National Governors' Association meeting in Washington, Sanford listed some other monies he did not want, possibly including $42 million for retrofitting state buildings to be more energy efficient.
"We're looking at other things from a scale standpoint that are frankly irrelevant," he said.
CALIFORNIA HAPPY FOR MONEY
But California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, also a Republican, said on ABC's "This Week" he would gladly take all the money.
"Governor Sanford says that he does not want to take the federal stimulus package money. And I want to say to him: I'll take it. I'm more than happy to take his money or any other governor in this country that doesn't want to take this money, I take it, because we in California need it," he said.
Republican Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, seen as a prominent conservative voice and possible future presidential candidate, said he would take the money even though he did not agree with the philosophy behind the package.
"We are a major net subsidizer of the federal government ... For every dollar we send in, we only get 72 cents back. So we're paying the bill either way. We're going to take our share of the money," he said on Fox.
Pawlenty said Minnesota already covered part-time workers who lose their jobs so taking the money would not entail changing the program.
The economic recovery bill provides increases in federal backing for states' social services, infrastructure and education funding.
(Additional reporting by Lisa Lambert, editing by Jackie Frank)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nas & Michael Rapaport Team Up For A Tribe Called Quest Doc
SOHH has learned that long time hip-hop fan and well known actor, Michael Rapaport (Zebrahead, Higher Learning) has teamed up with Nas to produce a documentary film about renowned rap group, A Tribe Called Quest. In this exclusive, Rapaport and Tribe member Q-Tip discuss the upcoming project.
Now, the whole saga will appear on the big screen.
“I’m directing a documentary film about the group, the past present and future of A Tribe Called Quest,” Rapaport told SOHH.
Rapaport, a Brooklyn native, who currently has a role on Fox’s hit show Prison Break, says he’s extremely passionate about the project.
“I’ve just been a fan of theirs for a long time,” he said. “They’re my favorite group and they’re worthy of it in my opinion. They’re like the Rolling Stones of hip-hop.”
Def Jam mega star Nas has signed on as the producer of the documentary. The Queensbridge rapper, who co-headlined this summer’s “Rock The Bells” tour with Tribe and Mos Def will be making his production debut on this project.
“It’s Nas’ first major motion picture that he’s filming,” said Q-Tip. “I guess they’re going to take it to the festivals like Cannes and all that stuff.”
Tip is excited to be the focus of the film which has yet to be titled. “It’s cool,” he said. “I’m kinda honored that they’re doing that.”
Rapaport says he has been enjoying getting to know the members of Tribe in a very human way.
“They’ve been open and honest, as they are in their music, and they’re good people. So it’s been fun.”
As of press time there is no planned release date for the project.
Now, the whole saga will appear on the big screen.
“I’m directing a documentary film about the group, the past present and future of A Tribe Called Quest,” Rapaport told SOHH.
Rapaport, a Brooklyn native, who currently has a role on Fox’s hit show Prison Break, says he’s extremely passionate about the project.
“I’ve just been a fan of theirs for a long time,” he said. “They’re my favorite group and they’re worthy of it in my opinion. They’re like the Rolling Stones of hip-hop.”
Def Jam mega star Nas has signed on as the producer of the documentary. The Queensbridge rapper, who co-headlined this summer’s “Rock The Bells” tour with Tribe and Mos Def will be making his production debut on this project.
“It’s Nas’ first major motion picture that he’s filming,” said Q-Tip. “I guess they’re going to take it to the festivals like Cannes and all that stuff.”
Tip is excited to be the focus of the film which has yet to be titled. “It’s cool,” he said. “I’m kinda honored that they’re doing that.”
Rapaport says he has been enjoying getting to know the members of Tribe in a very human way.
“They’ve been open and honest, as they are in their music, and they’re good people. So it’s been fun.”
As of press time there is no planned release date for the project.
Q-Tip: Renaissance Album, Why he's still relevant & his top 3 mc's
AllThatsFab's Ian & Martine interview Q-Tip: Why he's still relevant?, His top 3 rappers, What he likes to do in New York & Why music is more important than swagger and business acumen.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Obama tells daughters he ran for president for them, all children
WASHINGTON (AFP) – In an open letter to his young daughters, US president-elect Barack Obama said Thursday that he entered the race for the White House "because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation."
"When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me -- about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world," Obama said in the letter published in Parade magazine, a weekend newspaper color supplement.
"I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfilment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation," wrote the soon-to-be Dad-in-chief.
Obama's wish-list for children includes challenging and inspirational schools; equal opportunity to go to university, regardless of their family's financial standing; and well-paid jobs with benefits such as health care and a pension plan that will allow them to "retire with dignity."
The 47-year-old father of Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, said he wants to "push the boundaries" of discovery to encourage the development of new technology and inventions that improve lives and protect the environment.
And he spoke of his vision of a United States that has reached "beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other."
He would strive to send young Americans to war "only for a very good reason", trying first to settle differences with other nations peacefully.
"These are the things I want for you -- to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world," wrote Obama.
"And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure," wrote Obama, who on Tuesday will move into the White House with his two daughters and wife, Michelle.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New Karate Kid Getting a Kick out of Jackie Chan?
We know Jackie Chan has the martial arts moves of a master...but how is he at trimming bonsai?
The Hong Kong-born action star is in talks to take on the role of Mr. Miyagi in an upcoming remake of The Karate Kid, per the Hollywood Reporter.
The premise would be similar to the 1984 original, in that Chan would be playing mentor to a teen who's being harassed by bullies and is in need of both philosophical guidance and some sweet self-defense moves.
Will and Jada's kid, Jaden Smith, who cut his drama chops alongside dad in The Pursuit of Happyness, is set to don the karate gi (and perhaps the showerhead costume) once worn so proudly by Ralph Macchio.
But the question remains, how do you think the swift-footed Chan—who at 54 is still out there doing his own stunts—will stack up against the late Pat Morita, who played the sage sensei Mr. Miyagi in four Karate Kid films and had a knack for saying it all with nothing but a stare?
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··· THEY SAID WHAT? Get today's most commented stories now at www.eonline.comKarate Kid Baddie SentencedNo Rush for Chan in China"Rush Hour 3" Ready to Roll. FinallyCasting Couch: Tudors Gets Stoned, Ruffalo Extends Sympathy, Chan Spys New GigBig Willie Builds Empire, Chops Karate RumorsRemembering Jackie Chan and Jet LiRush Moves; Daddy Day Camp Doesn'tJackie Chan: Iron ManGoodbye, Mr. MiyagiWill Smith's Karate Kid Ready for RemakeEx-Karate Kidder Pleads Innocent
The Hong Kong-born action star is in talks to take on the role of Mr. Miyagi in an upcoming remake of The Karate Kid, per the Hollywood Reporter.
The premise would be similar to the 1984 original, in that Chan would be playing mentor to a teen who's being harassed by bullies and is in need of both philosophical guidance and some sweet self-defense moves.
Will and Jada's kid, Jaden Smith, who cut his drama chops alongside dad in The Pursuit of Happyness, is set to don the karate gi (and perhaps the showerhead costume) once worn so proudly by Ralph Macchio.
But the question remains, how do you think the swift-footed Chan—who at 54 is still out there doing his own stunts—will stack up against the late Pat Morita, who played the sage sensei Mr. Miyagi in four Karate Kid films and had a knack for saying it all with nothing but a stare?
null
··· THEY SAID WHAT? Get today's most commented stories now at www.eonline.comKarate Kid Baddie SentencedNo Rush for Chan in China"Rush Hour 3" Ready to Roll. FinallyCasting Couch: Tudors Gets Stoned, Ruffalo Extends Sympathy, Chan Spys New GigBig Willie Builds Empire, Chops Karate RumorsRemembering Jackie Chan and Jet LiRush Moves; Daddy Day Camp Doesn'tJackie Chan: Iron ManGoodbye, Mr. MiyagiWill Smith's Karate Kid Ready for RemakeEx-Karate Kidder Pleads Innocent
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Obama advisers say plan would create 3.5m new jobs
WASHINGTON – Facing growing criticism of his economic recovery plan, President-elect Barack Obama made public Saturday a detailed analysis by his economic advisers that estimates the $775 billion plan of tax cuts and new spending would create 3.5 million jobs over the next two years.
With an eye on Obama having immediate access to bailout money already approved by Congress when he becomes president, his economic team and the Bush administration have discussed having Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson ask lawmakers for access to the $350 billion remaining in the fund.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the administration hasn't decided whether to make such a request, which would be made within the next week. Under the terms of the legislation creating the fund, Congress would have 15 days to reject the request.
The Obama transition team also has asked Neel Kashkari, the head of the rescue program at the Treasury Department, to remain in that position for a short time after the inauguration to help assure a smooth transition, according to an Obama official.
The 14-page analysis of Obama's $775 billion plan, which was posted on the Internet, concedes that the estimates are "subject to significant margins of error," both because of the assumptions that went into their economic models and because no one knows the final outlines of the package that will emerge from Congress.
"These numbers are a stark reminder that we simply cannot continue on our current path," Obama said in his weekly radio and YouTube broadcast address.
"If nothing is done, economists from across the spectrum tell us that this recession could linger for years and the unemployment rate could reach double digits — and they warn that our nation could lose the competitive edge that has served as a foundation for our strength and standing in the world," he said.
Obama, who previously has provided few details of the massive spending and tax cut plan, released the report one day after the unemployment rate jumped to 7.2 percent, the highest in 16 years. The nation lost 524,000 jobs in December, bringing the total job loss for last year to 2.6 million, the largest since World War II.
If Congress fails to enact a big economic stimulus plan, Obama's advisers estimated that another 3 million to 4 million jobs will disappear before the recession ends.
As lawmaker criticisms of parts of his plan grew during the week, Obama agreed Friday to modest changes in his proposed tax cuts. Democratic congressional officials said his aides came under pressure in closed-door talks to jettison or significantly alter a proposed tax credit for creating jobs, and to include relief for upper middle-class families hit by the alternative minimum tax.
The new report is likely to intensify debate over the economic recovery plan even more, as economists outside the Obama team begin delving into the analysis. The report, for example, estimates that the unemployment rate at the end of 2010 would be 1.8 percentage points lower if the plan is enacted.
Top Democrats on Capitol Hill say there is far more agreement than disagreement on the major parts of the recovery plan: aid to cash-strapped state governments, $500-$1,000 tax cuts for most workers and working couples, and a huge spending package blending old fashioned public works projects with aid to the poor and unemployed and a variety of other initiatives.
The new report provides detailed breakdowns of how many jobs each part of the plan would create, even going so far as to provide estimates that more than 40 percent of the new jobs would go to women and that 90 percent of them would be created in the private sector. It also provides estimates of how many new jobs would be created in each different sector of the economy.
"It's not too late to change course — but only if we take immediate and dramatic action," Obama said. "Our first job is to put people back to work and get our economy working again."
With an eye on Obama having immediate access to bailout money already approved by Congress when he becomes president, his economic team and the Bush administration have discussed having Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson ask lawmakers for access to the $350 billion remaining in the fund.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the administration hasn't decided whether to make such a request, which would be made within the next week. Under the terms of the legislation creating the fund, Congress would have 15 days to reject the request.
The Obama transition team also has asked Neel Kashkari, the head of the rescue program at the Treasury Department, to remain in that position for a short time after the inauguration to help assure a smooth transition, according to an Obama official.
The 14-page analysis of Obama's $775 billion plan, which was posted on the Internet, concedes that the estimates are "subject to significant margins of error," both because of the assumptions that went into their economic models and because no one knows the final outlines of the package that will emerge from Congress.
"These numbers are a stark reminder that we simply cannot continue on our current path," Obama said in his weekly radio and YouTube broadcast address.
"If nothing is done, economists from across the spectrum tell us that this recession could linger for years and the unemployment rate could reach double digits — and they warn that our nation could lose the competitive edge that has served as a foundation for our strength and standing in the world," he said.
Obama, who previously has provided few details of the massive spending and tax cut plan, released the report one day after the unemployment rate jumped to 7.2 percent, the highest in 16 years. The nation lost 524,000 jobs in December, bringing the total job loss for last year to 2.6 million, the largest since World War II.
If Congress fails to enact a big economic stimulus plan, Obama's advisers estimated that another 3 million to 4 million jobs will disappear before the recession ends.
As lawmaker criticisms of parts of his plan grew during the week, Obama agreed Friday to modest changes in his proposed tax cuts. Democratic congressional officials said his aides came under pressure in closed-door talks to jettison or significantly alter a proposed tax credit for creating jobs, and to include relief for upper middle-class families hit by the alternative minimum tax.
The new report is likely to intensify debate over the economic recovery plan even more, as economists outside the Obama team begin delving into the analysis. The report, for example, estimates that the unemployment rate at the end of 2010 would be 1.8 percentage points lower if the plan is enacted.
Top Democrats on Capitol Hill say there is far more agreement than disagreement on the major parts of the recovery plan: aid to cash-strapped state governments, $500-$1,000 tax cuts for most workers and working couples, and a huge spending package blending old fashioned public works projects with aid to the poor and unemployed and a variety of other initiatives.
The new report provides detailed breakdowns of how many jobs each part of the plan would create, even going so far as to provide estimates that more than 40 percent of the new jobs would go to women and that 90 percent of them would be created in the private sector. It also provides estimates of how many new jobs would be created in each different sector of the economy.
"It's not too late to change course — but only if we take immediate and dramatic action," Obama said. "Our first job is to put people back to work and get our economy working again."
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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