State bailouts, yay or nay?

[Darren]

It's a hot topic for governors that locked their entire state down with some extending the lock down into May. State revenue collections were hit hard compared to those states that never shut down.

Will they be bit in the ass or not?

[Lord Jim]

It's a "hot topic" in Mitch McConnell's mind...

Everywhere else, financial aide for states and localities has broad bi-partisan support...

That being said, it's important that the money be targeted appropriately (just like the PPP money)

Funds to support healthcare workers, firefighters, police, and for other essential services and personnel (like trash collection) definitely should be provided; in a situation like this, that is a national responsibility.

But it's fair also to require that the monies provided be used for these public health and safety imperatives, and NOT to pay for unwise financial decisions that predate the crisis (unfunded liabilities for government employee pensions for example.)

[BoSoxGal]

If the states don’t get bailouts, then those of us who pay the most into the pot while taking the least from it in good times should really reconsider how that system is working.