TNDP Chair Appalled At Williamson Lawmaker’s Lack Of Concern For State’s Hungry Children

March 25th, 2010 by TNDP  Print This Post

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said he was appalled by the recent callous statements made by House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada who has introduced legislation ending unemployment benefits for Tennessee families with dependent children.

Casada’s bill, HB3206, was defeated in the House Subcommittee on Employee Affairs on Wednesday despite state Reps. Donna Rowland of Murfreesboro and Mark White of Memphis voting for it.

“Well, I think we all need you to do the best you can to find a job, is what I suggest,” Casada replied during the hearing when asked how affected families should feed their children without the benefits.

Forrester said Casada’s unconcern for the state’s struggling families underscores the fundamental difference between the General Assembly’s Democrats and its Republicans.

“In times like these, many working families are temporarily between jobs, through no fault of their own, and need the help of their friends and neighbors while they get back on their feet,” Forrester said. “I cannot believe someone can be so uncaring.

“Democrats in the state Legislature are working tirelessly with Gov. Phil Bredesen to create more jobs in Tennessee communities. Unfortunately, we have some Republicans who are more interested in playing partisan politics than helping our state through a rough spot.”

Forrester noted that the unemployment rate for the state was at 10.7 percent in January, meaning more than 322,000 Tennesseans were out of work. As the subcommittee hearing continued, Casada said he opposed using any state money to extend unemployment benefits if and when federal stimulus dollars are exhausted.

“Well, when the money runs out, we don’t take it out of your back pocket … and give it to those that don’t have,” the College Grove lawmaker added.

Forrester said he was disappointed in Casada’s rationalization for ending jobless benefits when more than 8 million jobs have been lost across the U.S. since the recession began in December 2007.

“Because of the failed policies of a previous White House, this economy was sent into a ditch and our financial markets teetered on the brink of disaster,” Forrester said. “Fortunately Congress took some bold steps and enacted a stimulus package that is helping us recover.

“More needs to be done, though, and Republicans like Mr. Casada, Ms. Rowland and Mr. White need to remember what John the Baptist once said: ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’”

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5 Responses

1. TNDP Decries Casada’s Hard Core Conservatism : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee Says:
   March 25th, 2010 at 4:03 pm

   [...] the party blog: Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said he was appalled by the recent callous [...]

2. Mark Albertini Says:
   March 25th, 2010 at 11:43 pm

   Mr. Forrester
   I am displeased to hear you demonize Mr. Casada. If you want to help people who are not working, why don’t you write a check to the TN Dept. of Labor and ask them to give some to everyone who calls up?
   I can see you have a problem with theology first of all and that’s really where the divide is between Republicans & Democrats. You said John the Baptist once said: ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’” Where did JTB tell government to give a coat or share food? Jesus never forced anyone to help another. But that’s exactly what you are tryibg to do.
   I say the same thing to you as I do to Ms. Jones in a letter I sent to her–

   Ms. Jones

   I saw the video of you scolding Mr. Casada. I am most displeased with your approach to the use of my money to support those who are too lazy to get up and collect cans, flip burgers or disconnect their cable TV if they have to in order to feed their children. I don’t care what the Tenn Dept. of Labor says. It is in my opinion an agency fraught with waste of taxpayer money. I challenge you to show me one verse in the Bible where God tells government to take from those who work at anything they can to give to another who would rather collect then think of a way to feed themselves. The good Samaritan was not the government. He was a man who was merciful to his neighbor in need. If the government would get away from doing everything for people, others would step in to help. Jesus said very clearly, the poor you will always have with you. The Bible says if a man will not work he shall not eat. Your statement that it is “mean” to cut of unemployment is weak and irrelevant. Life is not easy. I saw people living in tin shacks in the Philippines while in the Marine Corps. If you personally want to provide everything for those who don’t have want you want them to have then you give it to them, but keep your hands out of my wallet.

   Mark Albertini

3. People – Tennessee’s Most Precious Resource Says:
   March 26th, 2010 at 10:01 am

   [...] T/F/B: Tennessee Democratic Party [...]

4. Glen Casada Thinks You Should Just Get a Job | Speak to Power Says:
   March 26th, 2010 at 10:15 am

   [...] see: LeftWingCracker Southern Beale Tiny Cat Pants TNDP Pith blog comments powered by Disqus var disqus_url = [...]

5. People – Tennessee’s Most Precious Resource « Roane County Democratic Party Says:
   March 28th, 2010 at 4:01 am

   [...] T/F/B: Tennessee Democratic Party [...]