The article, States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash, has many authors. The main author of the article is Monica Davey. The other contributors to the article are Robbie Brown, Michael Cooper, David M. Herszenhorn, and Robert Pear. Monica Davey is a columnist for the newspaper New York Times. On February 16th, 2009 this article appeared in the U.S section of the paper.
This article was written to show not only are Americans worried about money, so are the states. The author explained how states are trying to get their money. One major conflict with the states is where to spend their portion of the money from the stimulus bill. Some states have already decided where to use their money. There are major areas for the money to go to such as Medicaid, education, and infrastructure projects. Some states such as North Carolina have not suffered a major cut back with their education budget; however, they still want to receive money for enhancing their education. Some states believe money from the plan is going into areas that don’t necessary need it the most. For example, Massachusetts believes the Turnpike is getting to much money instead of other projects. Many states are wondering how the money from the plan will go over with all the problems that need to be fixed. However, South Carolina does not even want to take the plan! Governor Mark Sanford for South Carolina does not even want to take the plan because it’s not the best idea. States will have a say into where to spend their money but Washington will have the last in put on spending the money. How much money each state can have depends on how advanced the state is. The stimulus plan has set uproar with many people. The stimulus plan will cause political battles. Overall, people for or against the stimulus can understand the main argument the authors are trying to make. The main argument is how states, counties and other governments feel about the stimulus plan and how its money should be used and divided. This article is directed toward to those against and for the plan. The author is trying to make it understandable where the money is going to and how not only are the people worried so are the states. This is the biggest influx of federal dollars since President Lyndon B. Johnson.
I personally did not know anything about the stimulus plan when it was first mentioned. I believe in desperate needs calls for desperate actions. I believe the stimulus plan should be used in the best way possible. With all the jobs lost last year which was the highest since World War II something needs to be done. Some states are in worse conditions than others. Every state should take advantage of the money and help bring America back on good standing. Taking the stimulus plan does not mean America will be fixed fast. This plan will help hold over America until it has healed its self. I think its crazy how South Carolina does not want to take the money. If South Carolina and other states don’t take the money how will it rebuild its self? The more time goes on the more people lose their jobs, houses, and cars. What else needs to be lost before some major action is taken?
