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States Go Begging
The next group lining up for a big government bailout? Local government. The Washington Post reports that Ohio is one of many states around the nation looking to the federal government to help fill the gaps in local budgets. Without help, they fear massive job losses that could further weaken the economy. "We're not crying wolf. This is real," said Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio, which has already shed 100,000 jobs in the past year. Revenue shortfalls are projected to be as high as 25% over the next two years. Strickland recently left a message on the answering machine of incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel: "Rahm, it's Ted. You've never failed me and I need $5 billion." President-elect Obama has promised help, arguing that the far reaching need for aid is a good cause for expanding the already record federal deficit.
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I'll abandon my usual screed about how wise I was to leave Ohio long ago. No, I still can't spell the German word with 68 letters which starts with S to promote my pet impractical idea.
Merging the USA's 50 states into regional governments should be tried. The rust belt region is a good place to start.
It won't happen because of the problems involved would require Constitutional changes, sacrifices by politicians & bold leadership by politicians.
Which state would give up its 2 seats in the US Senate?
There are many similar problems. It won't fly for now.
Thank you.
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