Florida’s loss is Amtrak and 15 other states gain

According to the Associated Press in their piece titled Amtrak, 15 states, including Illinois, get $2B Florida lost, “the Obama administration is giving Amtrak and rail projects in 15 states the $2 billion that Florida lost after the governor canceled plans for high-speed train service.  A Department of Transportation statement today said the largest share of the money — nearly $800 million — will be used to upgrade train speeds from 135 mph to 160 mph on critical segments of the heavily traveled Northeast corridor.  Another $404 million will go to expand high-speed rail service in the Midwest, including newly constructed segments of 110-mph track between Detroit and Chicago that are expected to save passengers 30 minutes in travel time.  The money had initially been awarded to Florida for high-speed trains between Tampa and Orlando. Gov. Rick Scott canceled the project.”

So much for governors looking out for the citizens in their state who is unemployed.  It was reported recently that the reason the money was turned down was budget restraints and the money the state would have to invest but that makes little sense if it puts people in that state to work.  Working citizens will add to each states coffer by spending the money they make on things that they are in need of.  They would increase states revenue because we all know that they are going to pay taxes and it reduces the states burden of unemployment worries.  Why all of this and more is not a win for any state to accept any assistance from the federal government to create jobs in their state is beyond me.  Maybe the citizens of Florida should ask Governor Rick Scott for a better understanding because with his millions he can not be feeling the crunch like many in that are.  The real question left to those that will receive these rejected funds is will they use them for the purpose that they were sent or to cover some hole in their own budget.