03.06.21

Graham Introduces Amendment to End Blue State Bailouts

WASHINGTON – Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) introduced an amendment to end The American Rescue Plan Act’s bailout of failed policies and fiscally irresponsible states.

The Graham amendment reverts back to the formula used in the CARES Act to distribute aid to states, which passed the Senate by a vote of 96-0 in March of last year.

As written, The American Rescue Plan Act provides $350 billion – paid for by taxpayers – to bail out failed policies and poor fiscal management of certain states, most often led by Democrats.

“The Democratic proposal creates a totally new formula for state and local government, which disproportionately rewards blue states like New York and California.

“My amendment retains and keeps in place the CARES formula that was used in the bipartisan package that passed 96-0.  It’s a much fairer and better allocation for the country as a whole. Many states benefitted from the CARES formula and it should remain in place.

“I hope Democrats don’t send money to California and New York simply because they are Democrat states.”

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