Local Republicans, Democrats debate on stimulus money

Earlier this month, the Republican-ruled House voted “no” to Governor Kaine’s proposal to expand unemployment benefits in Virginia. The vote means Virginia loses $125 million in stimulus money. GOP leaders say it’s time to say no to the Obama administration and the federal government’s hand in a state-run program.

Now, area democrats are speaking out about the vote. Many people want to know how legislators can turn away money at a tough time. But Republicans say the stimulus isn’t what we need right now.

On Sunday, democrats in nine districts around the Commonwealth went door-to-door with petitions, all where delegates voted to reject the unemployment funds. One of those districts was in Montgomery County, where local democrats met in Christiansburg on Sunday afternoon.

“Just do a little door to door and let people know what’s happening. We want the stimulus money,” said Gail Montuori, the Radford Democratic Chair.

They want people to sign petitions demanding the General Assembly accept the $125 million.

But Republican supporters also showed up, like Delegate Dave Nutter. He tells us why he was at the democratic event.

“Give us copies of these petitions. If they’re going to solicit people’s names with the idea of changing legislative behavior, let’s let legislators see those names,” Nutter said.

Then the debate began between the two sides. Nutter said the plan would hurt businesses already feeling the pain.

“They’re hanging on and don’t want to lay their workers off but if we increase taxes every employer will have to pay, that’s going to make it harder,” he said.

One democratic supporter argued, “Virginia ranks 49th among the states in the United States in unemployment taxes we pay. This is not a burden on businesses.“

Nutter says the cash won’t last forever.

“When that money goes away, we’re stuck with a permanent tax increase in Virginia to pay for it,” he said.

Nutter explained when it comes to the General Assembly helping the unemployed, they’ve extended benefits up to 59 weeks.

But democrats said this is the time to use the money. The purpose is to help people right now, they said.

But the debate ended with a handshake and some good sportsmanship before the democrats headed out into the neighborhoods to get people’s support.