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.