Wrong to Refuse Part of Stimulus

Virginia should not have turned down $125 million in federal money designed to help thousands of jobless citizens in the commonwealth.

The House of Delegate’s refusal blocks added benefits for thousands of part-time jobless workers, and left Gov. Tim Kaine red-faced and angry last week.

The governor was incredulous that lawmakers did not take the federal money to help unemployed Virginians, which now top 300,000.

“I just can’t imagine why we would leave $125 million … on the table,” Kaine told legislative leaders in a conference room adjacent to his office at the Capitol at the end of the one-day session. “This is about looking into the eyes of Virginians who have lost their jobs.”

Kaine suggested that lawmakers who voted against the measure had forgotten the people they represent. We wonder the same.

But let’s be clear: Kaine prevailed on the most-important measures for jobless Virginians, although both are temporary. Legislators approved a 13-week extension of jobless benefits for former full-time workers and health insurance protections for some laid-off part-time workers.

We support those added benefits, especially for former full-time workers. These citizens need help to support their families while they continue to search for work in incredibly difficult times. And assistance with health insurance, which can be an unbearable cost following a layoff, is equally important. Both will come in handy.

But the lawmakers have a point, particularly considering the long-range view.

The measure that failed 53-46 in the House of Delegates would have increased unemployment benefits to laid-off part-time workers to a point that was close to what they were previously earning. Critics feared that would discourage jobless people from returning to work and allow them to reject positions they find unappealing. Even Senate Minority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. of James City County, whose district includes Williamsburg, a tourist destination with a 19.5 percent unemployment rate, said Kaine’s plan was a clear disincentive to look for another job. Norment called the measure “absolutely ludicrous.”

The measure to increase benefits for part-timers largely failed on party lines, but the vote was narrow in both the House (53-46 against) and Senate (21-19 in favor).

Democrats, claiming the GOP is out of touch with its constituents, are already using the measure’s failure as a club. Expect to see the beatings continue against Republican Bob McDonnell during the gubernatorial race.

But remember the bigger picture: Full-timers who have been laid off will get a 13-week extension of benefits. Part-timers will get help with vital health insurance.

The area where it got muddy was over giving more money to laid-off part-time workers.

And the state’s greatest need is for full-time workers who have lost their jobs and need an extension of benefits to give them more time to find work.

We oppose the slice-and-dice mentality over the federal stimulus money and dislike the fact that Virginia refused part of it. Clearly the stimulus was passed by the federal government and sent to the states to provide aid in a time of crisis.

With almost 7 percent of Virginians out of work, some of whom make their livings by multiple part-time jobs and can use every bit of help offered, Virginia should have said yes to that $125 million.

With or without the one-shot gift from Washington, those jobless residents will continue to struggle.

The additional money would have certainly helped.