After The Failure of the "So-Called" Stimulus
More Of the Same Isn't The Answer

Last February, while Montanans were calling my office demanding ten-to-one that I vote against House Speaker Pelosi’s “So-Called” Stimulus bill, some in Congress promised the massive government expansion would create jobs.  They even called it a “Jobs Bill.” 

Here’s what I said way back on February 13, immediately after this monstrous legislation passed in the House:

“Montanans are facing serious economic challenges, and Congress must act quickly, decisively and correctly.  Unfortunately, despite empty rhetoric, Speaker Pelosi’s deal with the Senate does not focus enough on funding critical infrastructure projects or tax reductions that would create jobs and stimulate the economy.  Instead, the Pelosi deal is filled with wasteful spending that will do nothing to jump start the economy but will permanently bloat the federal government and make future tax increases inevitable.
 
Montanans will end up owing more than we’ll receive because we’re being asked to subsidize the irresponsible spending of states like California, Speaker Pelosi’s home state.  While Montana needs and deserves a stimulus bill that creates jobs and boosts the economy, all we got today was a bigger federal government.

The real stimulus, the one that I voted for, would have provided twice the jobs for half the cost.  We brought strong ideas to the table.  For example, I suggested a suspension of all payroll taxes, which would ease the tax burden on working families and businesses alike.  I also advocated targeting more spending toward infrastructure projects that put folks to work. Unfortunately, these ideas were not included in the final plan.”

Now, almost a year later, the numbers are in.  Despite politicians claiming they created nonexistent jobs in districts that don't exist, the only thing that has increased more than federal spending is the unemployment rate which just topped 10 percent.  The “Jobs Bill” delivered a steady stream of press releases announcing government funding, but it didn’t deliver any jobs.

Now, those same politicians are saying it’s time to focus on jobs and the economy, begging the question: What were they focused on when they spent $1 trillion of our children’s money on the "so-called" Stimulus earlier this year?

And some even want another stimulus bill – a bigger one with more spending.

Democratic House members who were disappointed that the stimulus wasn't larger said they will press for a substantial spending plan this time. (Source)

From the beginning, I warned that jobs didn't come from the government, but from empowering individuals and small businesses.  It's time to stop throwing good money after bad on policies that will all-but guarantee that our taxes will go up in the next few years.

It's time for a real stimulus.  Not more of the same.