Political Quotes

“Delaware is one of five States that has no sales tax. One might think as a result we have no dog in this fight. We do. I think we all do, whether we happen to be from a sales tax State or not. My colleague who spoke immediately before me said we haven't had hearings on this proposal. We have had discussion in this Chamber, in the House, in State houses across the country, certainly in Governors' meetings for the last 3 years. We don't need a hearing to know that States are under duress. Their economies are struggling. Their revenue growth is down and in some cases negative. Spending is up. Unemployment is up. Out-of-pocket costs for health care for Medicaid are up, and they are in between a rock and a hard place. We have been debating this week how can we help those States in their time of need. Some have said: Let's increase the Federal share for Medicaid. Others have said: Let's provide an extension of unemployment insurance and pay for it with Federal dollars. Others have said: Let's pass a stimulus package. Maybe we should provide a sales tax holiday and let the Federal Government pay for that--something I don't think is a good idea, but that has been put forward. A much better idea is the Enzi-Dorgan amendment that lies before us today, the product of many years work between the States, between Governors, mayors, county executives, legislators here, and previous administrations as well as the current administration.”