We all have a good laugh when Barack Obama talks about the thousands of jobs saved because of the stimulus, though it hardly seems funny that his ridiculous claims go unchallenged. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick could probaby make the same proposterous claims for the Bay State's economic situation. He might even put a specific number on it... He could say that even though the state's unemployment has doubled, that 2,000 jobs were "created" or "saved," thanks to him... of course, they'd all be on the state payroll, but that's just an insignifcant detail, right?
The state remains a shelter from the economic storm for thousands of workers, especially if you can repair a bridge.
A bostonherald.com update on the state payroll shows the number of employees working on the taxpayers’ dime has jumped by about 2,000 in the past year, according to the latest figures.
A majority of the increases have come from higher education and public works – for two very different reasons, Patrick administration officials say. In total, the state employs slightly more than 98,000 workers.
Massachusetts GOP Chairman Jennifer Nassour, was highly critical of the news. "Government should be focused on encouraging investment by the private sector which will lead to job growth." Deval Patrick, and the Democrat-controlled legislature, however, are adding more public jobs which of course will have to be paid for by the taxpayers, who are struggling enough as it is.
In tough times, we shouldn't hope that our elected officials won't run amok, growing government as we struggle to make ends meet. We should expect it. As private businesses are forced to layoff workers to stay afloat, we likewise should see government making similar tough decisions, instead of adding more jobs, with more pay and benefits packages one could only dream of in the private sector. How can the government demonstrate what Obama would say is "empathy" when they clearly don't have to live by the same rules as we do. Instead we get more spending, more czars, and more government expansion into things that it can't possibly run efficiently or in a cost effective manner.
Adding insult to injury, Deval Patrick is using taxpayer dollars for some shameless self-promotion..
Gearing up for his re-election campaign, Gov. Deval Patrick is slapping his name on highway signs, spending thousands on self-promotion as budget-strapped local officials scrape to fill potholes.
The governor’s highway promotion - defended by officials as needed reminders to motorists to drive safely - marks a quiet reversal of a ban on such taxpayer-funded vanity signs by former Gov. Mitt Romney.
Patrick has put his name on 48 construction signs throughout the state since August 2008 at a cost of $312 a piece, or about $15,000 so far.
The signs warn motorists to “drive safely,” and add, “We’re on the job for you,” in bolder script over a bright orange caution triangle.
Deval has also spent a nice chunk of stimulus money to erect highway signs that credit the stimulus for various construction projects. Whatever the cost to taxpayers, Deval will try to get his name out there, if it saves him money for signs when he runs for reelection.