Washington Post: Senate Must Pass Jobs Bill

July 13, 2010

Calling it the "fiscally sensible and morally decent" thing to do, the Washington Post calls on the U.S. Senate to pass the jobs bill to send badly-needed aid to states and extend unemployment benefits.

On the subject of federal funding to help state governments, "There is no good reason to oppose this help and every reason to offer it."

States are staggering under the impact of the economic slump, with revenue down and demand for social services up. Some 30 states were counting on the Medicaid money to balance their budgets, as required by law. The other cuts they would be forced to make if the Medicaid funds are not forthcoming would further slow the economic recovery. Passing this package is the right thing to do, and fiscally prudent too.

Blocking continued unemployment benefits due to deficit concerns, argues the Post, is also shortsighted because they are most likely to be spent immediately to help stimulate the economy. "Unemployment benefits — which average just over $300 a week — are an essential lifeline. The Senate needs to extend them." Read the full Washington Post editorial.