Waste of Money?

" Well senate majority leader Harry Reid laying the groundwork for a bill that he says will create jobs -- one proposed provision is already raising a lot of concern. 600 million dollars to compensate employees for lost time as part of -- program. This is in the name and creating jobs that well Republican Rhode Island governor -- Jerry is very familiar with these works are programs. And he joins -- right now governor good to have you. How you -- great to be there saying -- thanks let me. Get your take on this -- worried about it sounds good on paper what what are you worried about."

" No it's not that I'm worried about either I think we already have that program -- we -- that two years ago. Thing with 2007 with a -- all the work share program. That enabled an employer who's gonna wind up having that lay off people in the unit. That the people in that unit could decide you know -- while. Take fewer hours. And then they would be reimbursed for part of that are compensated for -- that out of the unemployment comp system. So we've been doing that for the last couple years I think that is good for maintaining in comes because all the extensions as you know the unemployment benefits. Have a design that you know maintain spending -- maintain income. And sustain job but it's not gonna create any job."

" It's what I'm wondering though is if you're doing this on top of the unemployment extensions. And the benefits and white. Where there are you really solving anything. What what do you think."

" Why I don't think you solve a lot but for those people let's say let me give me an example of somebody's going to be. Cut there are quite 40% let's say from forty hours on the 32 hours so they're gonna lose 40% of their income. Maybe get a portion they won't get all of that but they'll get up portion of that -- and stated if you will. A lot of and unemployment compensation rather than those people being laid off. And all that burden. So it you know it's small -- is not going to be a big I think after we've been -- two years we've got I think Google under 600 companies which is less than 2% of the companies in the state. But I think the last -- read about 8000 people so for those 8000 people you're right it's sort of like unemployment extension. It's helping sustain their income. And right now you know the biggest issue I think facing the economy it is is people feeling more comfortable about their jobs in their -- com. And then stop you know the total loosening up and spending because that's what's holding. The economy back right now would you know three cores -- our economy is. Built on then convincing consumers -- spent things most of us really don't need most of the time."

" Well and that's been the conundrum right I mean it's been a big reason why you you it. Put the state of emergency in effect it in and Rhode Island -- other ratings agencies and alike have included Rhode Island. States like New Jersey and California New York among got a -- states. To do we have to watch it closely."

" Now we're managing editor good knows -- You know it is a difficult -- our revenue rose -- falling off as are most of the states. We did manage our way through we're we're gonna more than knowing -- no broad based tax increases there are around me a number of my the other governors are raising taxes we haven't done that Neil you're the only -- on this list to get more different you're the only one on this listeners is not done that he ever attempted. Not because right now I think what but frankly I think the administration should be doing. Apropos of the conversation we're having the press a good there was a reduce the him the employment -- the video Social Security tax. Put me up money in people's hands on an ongoing basis a one time check out -- do you know -- the reporter earlier going out to citizens. That's not gonna have any major impact. On their behavior in terms -- good from what people have to do is feel more comfortable about their income and the best thing that we could do right now. And I think and our -- I'm I'm still proposing trying to shift the income tax. Reduce -- income tax burden and and shift the way we tax frankly because I think you need people. -- is spending that's what's gonna move this economy. Governor always a pleasure thank you very much. Now my pleasure and -- take care you too."