Showing a lack of knowledge about the concept of governance, the Democrats counter the GOP's call to pay for unemployment by comparing the times when the GOP gave tax credits to businesses. So let's straighten this out now.
The government gets funded by two sources: loans from other nations and taxes (people and Corporations). Printing money is another way of writing an I.O.U. of which will become some sort of tax in the future.
Banks are funded by the people and backed by the Government (funded by the people and loans)
Corporations are funded by the people when you pay for products or services. (Refresher course)
Small businesses are funded by the people and banks (funded by the people and Government).
Getting the picture here? We, through the private sector, fund the economic engine that feeds the government.
Tax credits/cuts is less money being taken from the businesses or corporations and therefore are not a cost. It's a relief on the businesses that will benefit the consumers (people). This is regardless of budget concerns.
Unemployment benefits are cost regardless of the Federal Budget's status. In this case, we are in a deficit. The President signed into law PayGo (Feb 2010), where if any costs had to be added to the budget, Congress MUST find a way to pay for it. It was to show how responsible the Democrats were and the seriousness about tackling the deficit. The GOP have been willing to vote for the passage of this bill and have found a way to pay for Unemployment benefits, using part of the $400+Billion of unsed Stimulus to pay for it. The Democrats are playing politics by selling the idea that the GOP hates the people, etc. while people have been cut off from their benefits in the last month. They've refused paying for the benefits, using the entitlement program to stir political anger.
This seems like a punk move to me.
Update: Republicans Snow and Collins have signed on to pass the measure, and interim Senator of WV, Goodwin will provide the final vote. Looks like it's going through (finally!!), but it's tainted with political gaming.
