In a recent Washington Post column with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley lectured politicians in our nation’s capitol on the “principles of a limited federal government and responsible fiscal leadership,” telling them that the time had come to “draw a line and finally hold Washington accountable.”
“It is worth remembering that all government money, borrowed or not, comes from the taxpayers, and it’s those taxpayers who will be left to pay when the bill comes due,” Haley and Perry wrote.
Sounds good, right? Exactly the sort of rhetoric you’d expect from a rising “fiscal conservative” star …
Yet on Wednesday, Haley – who approved the largest spending plan in South Carolina history just six weeks ago – received $52 million from the federal government to bail out her corrupt, incompetent state transportation department.
The loan – which Haley requested – will go to pay contractors who have been stiffed by the S.C. Department of Transportation, an agency that has exhausted all of its cash on shady political deals aimed at funding non-priority projects (oh, and taxpayer-funded hob-nobbing).
Haley has previously approved a pair of $100 million state-funded bailouts for her cabinet-level health care agency (click here and here to read about those). She’s also signed off on corporate tax hikes aimed at paying back the $800 million our state’s unemployment trust fund still owes the federal government.
Like most federal bailouts, this one is the quickest of quick fixes – and doesn’t even begin to cover the agency’s $92 million in immediate outstanding debts. Worse still, it will exacerbate SCDOT’s cash crunch moving forward.
How so?
Well, accepting this money (which amounts to a full year’s worth of federal reimbursements to the state’s Transportation Infrastructure Bank) means that SCDOT – which already owes the infrastructure bank nearly $14 million – must now come up with another $52 million over the course of the year to pay into the fund.
That’s a recipe for disaster given the chronic mismanagement and deteriorating fiscal condition of this agency – which Haley (then a state lawmaker) and her legislative allies ostensibly “reformed” in 2007.
FITS first reported on serious problems at the SCDOT over a year ago, but those reports were ignored by state lawmakers. More recently, we exposed a $344 million vote-buying scam at the agency that further drained its borrowing capacity on a bunch of non-priority, politically-motivated projects.
(Click here, here, here and here to read more about this ridiculous boondoggle).
That scam – and this bailout – were endorsed by Haley’s transportation secretary as well as her appointee to the agency’s governing commission.
What do you think of Haley’s decision to request this bailout? Is it leadership? Or yet another example of her hypocrisy on “limited government?”
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By Old Bike Dude August 17, 2011 at 8:16 am
Incorrigible.
Methodist white woman my ass.
By BigT August 17, 2011 at 8:20 am
Anything on the USC Baseball Earth-Shattering Violation you claimed last week???…Other sites say that has been fully vetted, and there is nothing to it. You really are looking bad on it.
If you screwed that up, along w/ the 24/7 Bashing of Haley, I just don’t see how you can maintain any credibility…
I like Kickin’ @$$m here, on these ignorant Liberals, but you don’t even provide enough fodder for that….
The Haley Bashing is a bit Passe, and really not all that compelling. She’s got 3 years-plus left, yet Obama must answer in a little over a year…and you’re still trying to cover for him, blaming “politicians” for the mess that idiot, w/ Pelosi amd Reid made…
Bottom Line: Get your head out of your @$$. Your site pretty much Sucks, and I’m losing intrest. If you lose people like me, it’s not good.
By That Boz Guy @ The Beach August 17, 2011 at 8:36 am
/// If you lose people like me, it’s not good. ///
I needed a good belly-laugh this morning, BigT. Thanks for giving me one that blew coffee out my nose.
By jimlewis,owb August 17, 2011 at 8:37 am
Hey BigT
/?< 65<:^$ 47( &#$ 8=98 ;/,4&$ #?(**45
yh56/% 56'%$#!!
By Huhhh??? August 17, 2011 at 8:39 am
Big T, a lot of people are losing interest in you, too…you’re like an old LP with a scratch… the same thing over and over and over. Go back to Murdoch’s Fox, you don’t have to think — just agree. Tax cheating, bribe taking Trikki is a goddess there. That should make you happy.
As to this story, it is a big mistake to bail out the state of South Carolina on anything as long as people like Sanford/Haley and Zais, Eckstrom, et al are the powers that be. These people and their supporters run their mouths and run their mouths in blind stupid support of a blind stupid ideology.
When it is shown how ineffective that ideology is for the 21st century world, they get the bailout they need, but still run their mouths about how bad the evil federal government is.
These politicians and their supporters need to face the consequences of the failure of their ideology and their own inept management decisions. That might end their perpetual self-deceit. But, I doubt it.
By fitsnews August 17, 2011 at 8:46 am
Big T,
You are the most mentally unstable commenter we have ever had on this website … and trust us, that’s saying something.
-FITS
By HoneyDo August 17, 2011 at 8:48 am
BigT, if you’re losing interest stop visiting this site. No one is holding a gun to head making you read FitsNews. Furthermore, just what do you mean when you say, “if you lose people like me, it’s not good?” Just what kind of “people” are you? Honestly, it seems as though you think you or your opinion are worth more than anyone else does and “losing” you just might be a good thing. There are many of us who enjoy FitsNews because Will Folks is not afraid to put into writing what he “really” thinks and he calls things as HE sees them. I appreciate that. I may not always agree with his view or spin on things but this site is definitely entertaining to say the least. I don’t know Will Folks, never met the man and most likely never will but I still appreciate his willingness to tell it all, no matter how ugly or pretty the truth may be. So BigT, you CAN keep your head up your own @$$ because no one else loves you as much as you love yourself. Oh, did I forget to say BYE BYE????
By BigT August 17, 2011 at 8:52 am
Huhhh and Boz: There is a LOT more need for my voice, than the same ol’ Cliches you offer.
Boz: aren’t you trying to exploit the people reading your profile to become a politician? How Typical, and tiring.
You certainly fit the Mold, but there are others who do it better.
We simply need fewer people than what you offer, and more of what I am.
Hint: Jim DeMint is Totally Conservative and does what he promises. He is not always involved in some convoluted conspiracy, that bashes everyone else, and promotes Himself as THE ONLY one with any sense or the answer. DeMint is real simple in his approach against Liberalism. He will Never have to worry about losing a race.
He reports truth and honesty. That is what I do. I see the hatred because of it, as support that I’m accurate.
I don’t have other motives and I don’t believe in lies or immorailty.
By Rapture August 17, 2011 at 8:53 am
BigT, is it true you’ve been bounced from other sites as well???
By BigT August 17, 2011 at 8:54 am
Fits: I take that as High Praise from someone as “STABLE” as you are. (wink)
PS: What about the baseball thing?
And: No answer on the obsession w/ Haley?
By HoneyDo August 17, 2011 at 8:59 am
If everyone just ignores BigT’s posts and doesn’t respond maybe he’ll just go away….It’s kind of like ignoring a childs temper tantrums. Ignore the behavior and when they realize they don’t have an audience they will STOP! It’s all about attention…….maybe he should just journal since he’s the only one who seems to care what he has to say.
By Nikki's Facebook August 17, 2011 at 9:00 am
I am so excited. Tea Party loves big government spending and bailouts, and I got one. Yes, victory! Right? Tim, that’s right, right?
By Observer August 17, 2011 at 9:08 am
Yes Nikki, prance on down to Texas, and tell the world again how brilliant Perry is, and how you are the queen for fiscal responsibility.
By Sarah's Twitter August 17, 2011 at 9:10 am
Nikki says the affairs are untrue, so just leave her alone.
By FakeBigT August 17, 2011 at 9:14 am
Bliberal Fliberals…
CAPITAL letters… ellipsis…
I can’t help obsessing over everything on this page.
This page is degrading to women… especially if her boobie’s been sneezed on by a tiger.
ANYWAY… Glenn Beck and I have some news to share with you. We finally had anal intercourse. I hope you don’t get mad at us.
OK… I lied. HE didn’t want me to tell you that but I have a story that I must share…
He was all, “OMG It’s like vagina intercourse but in the butt! Plus it will be over before you know it LOL. I was all like, OMGWTF, that stings? Then it’s like, WTF, already done? LOL”
I bet you think I didn’t like it, but that’s the thing, I did. It was my first time.
By That Boz Guy @ The Beach August 17, 2011 at 9:16 am
Rush has dissed Nikki. Blood in the water, obviously.
I would say “Perry be wary”, if I liked the sumbitch even the least little bit.
By Victor August 17, 2011 at 9:24 am
Obama’s slick. Sure, we will give you Tea Party freaks all the bailouts you want. Nothing will change in terms of boondoggle projects or convention parties… and then, when you have to pay it back?
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By Bemused August 17, 2011 at 9:28 am
Meanwhile, as people rant against taking federal money, I-26 turns into a parking lot. Last Saturday the traffic was so bad that we moved along at 35-40 mph for about 15 miles. This is a common event. I-95 features potholes and rough surfaces from one end to the other. Smaller roads across the state are crumbling. In the background, we hear our SCDOT commissioners planning to blow the bank for 10 years on an interstate to cut 10-15 minutes off the trip from Detroit to Myrtle Beach, along with a few other local projects thrown in to buy votes for the Myrtle Beach thing, a deal obviously worked out in some violation of the open meetings law.
When we talk about government restructuring, we could do a lot of good by focusing downstream from the Budget and Control Board. Turning more BCB power over to Haley won’t do anything but give her more opportunities to employ her family and friends at our expense. We’re already doing more than enough to enrich that group. Restructuring at a different level, doing away with the patronage positions on state boards and commissions, definitely starting with SCDOT, would do a lot to improve SC government. The SCDOT commissioners have demonstrated that they have no interest in working for the best interests of the state as a whole. I don’t know if they ever have. The system is designed to foster short-sighted parochialism. Get rid of them, and get rid of all the other commissions grabbing their share of the pie all across South Carolina. Then, face the fact that we’re going to need federal government money to catch up with all the deferred maintenance on our highways and roads. It is not a “pro-business” position to watch infrastructure crumble to the point that it won’t sustain development.
By SCDOT Contractors August 17, 2011 at 9:29 am
Finally, money. Sorry, Nikki! We love filling up your pool with chilled, bottled Pierre. You are so kind, and thoughtful. How about the tent, A/C, massages, and catered lunches you promised last weekend?
By SCDOT Commissioners August 17, 2011 at 9:42 am
Bemused – Yes, exactly, that’s why we have included all public pools as critical infrastructure priorities. People need water. VIPS at the Governor’s mansion must be comfortable with the water they swim in, that is why tap water is not used. Other bottling companies were much cheaper, but Nikki insisted that Pierre is best for her skin condition.
By Michael's strap-on August 17, 2011 at 10:04 am
I am also headed to Texas.
By First Guy August 17, 2011 at 10:10 am
I am writing a new book…Cuckolding for Dummies.
By Francis August 17, 2011 at 10:11 am
Bailout for the Tea Party Queen.Except for Curtis Loftis the GOP will not stand up to this woman.
She is nothing but a bail of promises. She promises everything, and does nothing.
I am in the contractor community and several of these businesses are planning their bankruptcies.
Haley, you seem unable to tell the truth. You are hurting people. This is not about you. Help us.
By Twilight Zone August 17, 2011 at 10:14 am
“If you lose people like me, it’s not good.”
If you take everything that Big Troll says and reverse it completely he’s like the next Nostradamus.
It’s like reading gov’t releases, if you view every release as an utter lie you have come closest to understanding the truth of the situation.
By SC Troopers August 17, 2011 at 10:20 am
Nikki, you going to outrule Keel, and bring Shannon to Texas with you? After all, you are India’s Coconut Queen. Embrace the Power.
By Just Another Joe August 17, 2011 at 10:20 am
I just skim through many of the main articles here, but realty enjoy reading the comments. 21st Century democracy in action. BigT don’t go. I use to be a centralist, moderate, middle of the road type of guy, even registered independent on my voter’s card. Formerly left leaning now a full fledged liberal thanks to BigT’s comments and to his bashing of independents which convinced me to let go of the center pole and to fall all the way down to the left end goal. I feel like singing “Amazing Grace.” I’m a liberated liberal thanks to BigT’s rants. Will start voting a straight “D” ticket from now on. Even got rid of my Verizon cell service in support of the company’s striking union workers. Obama 2012.
By Eastbound and Down August 17, 2011 at 10:24 am
Nikki Haley and Rick Perry wrote a column for the Washington Post? Was the draft written in crayon?
By Michael's strap-on August 17, 2011 at 10:27 am
Nikki and Ricki are very excited about me.
By Big T August 17, 2011 at 10:54 am
Y’all will crap in your pants if I go.
Y’all will crap in your pants if I stay.
You think about me so much, you’re in love with me.
By Mr. Rikard August 17, 2011 at 11:44 am
Big T, are you Nikki?
By Michael's strap-on August 17, 2011 at 12:13 pm
7% = staff.
By Aiken August 17, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Last week in Aiken she said “no deficits will be allowed in the Haley administration”.
What a f$%#king joke. She can not have one shred of honor and stand there and say such bunk.
DOT is 100 million in the whole and working people are not getting paid. Contractors are laying off and going out of business.
Ms. Haley please, please please tell the truth. Please pay the people.
Media, please do your job!
By Big T August 17, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I’m not Nikki. In fact I’m not even me. And I’m not Big T Imposter. But anybody can be Big T. The only requirements are that you write stupid shit and insult everyone with whom you disagree.
Maybe I’m Joe Wilson.
By USC August 17, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Big T is going to Hell cuz heaven is liberal! They let in everybody.
By Michael's strap-on August 17, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Nikki and Ricki are so excited about my arrival in Texas.
By Col Cock's Phone August 17, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Michael’s strap-on….shhhhhhh, keep this in the family. Hush it.
By Rachel August 17, 2011 at 5:06 pm
When you see Lancaster, tell him I want my bra and panties back, pervert.
By Rachel August 17, 2011 at 5:07 pm
He’s headed to Texas, to be with Shannon and Eleanor.
By Rachel August 17, 2011 at 5:08 pm
You think Nikki will sniff my panties if I don’t wash them?
By OhNoNotAgain August 17, 2011 at 5:13 pm
If I were Dick Harpootlian, this would be my “KIll Nikki’s political career in Tea Party land forever” ad.
Establishing shot, brief voiceover, explaining the funding problems, that contractors were not paid for work already done, just brief.
Perhaps FOI and then flash up the letter requesting the money. Then a Barack Obama voiceover.
“When Nikki Haley asked my administration for special funding to fix a problem, we were more than happy to help out the good people of South Carolina. And if Nikki’s administration needs any more help getting out of other such problems, all she has to do is ask.”
By Andy August 17, 2011 at 5:24 pm
This “we don’t need no stinkin’ federal government” thing is growing funny in its hypocrisy. But so what? She’s still got a mighty fine ass.
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Pingback: SCDOT: Still Struggling To Pay Bills Despite Bailout | South Carolina News Press | South Carolina Breaking News Headlines | SC
By random college student September 2, 2011 at 8:03 am
If you want to start to fix the debt problem,
you have to learn that money is not free. All
politicians are corrupt. That’s why terms
in certain positions should not be as long
as they are. Corrupt people get power and there
is no way to take it from them. Change
politicians often. Stop spending money and borrowing
from a budget that doesn’t exist yet. And the swearing
in process for every goverment position should
be followed by a swift punch to Big Taco’s face! Sorry,
I couldn’t resist the Troll bashing.
Probably one of the most entertaining sites
I’ve been to. Keep it up. You guys had me rollin’.
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