LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
01.21.12-Gov. QUIE asked if Congress will pass a NEW FEDERALISM bill with ease. QUIE says that that CONGRESS isn't inclined to let go of power and authority, but as the BUDGET DEFICIT mounts and programs have to be cut, CONGRESS is more likely to let the States share the blame, might be willing to send programs back to the states. Says to keep in mind that the fall elections will clarify the picture of where the Public stands on the issue. Gov. HUNT says the BUDGET is a big problem, and if the ECONOMY was strong, there wouldn't be such problems with NEW FEDERALISM. Gov. QUIE says the bad economy is forcing government to make tough choices, in the long run it will be good for the country. HUNT says that he thinks many in the Administration feel that government shouldn't be involved in many social welfare programs, and many DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS suspect that REAGAN wants to pawn off these programs to the states as a way to eliminate them. Gov. MATHESON says that the economy is too weak to take NEW FEDERALISM to the extremes that REAGAN want to take the program. 01.24.43-WERTHEIMER intro commentary. Commentary by Oklahoman FROSTY TROY. TROY says that the Governors are the "TOM SAWYERS" of government, letting the Federal Government "paint the fence" while insisting that they, the States, should be doing it. Now, after REAGAN has announced his intention to turn programs back to the states, the Governors are going crazy. At least NEW FEDERALISM has made the Governors own up to their own rhetoric and admit that they've always wanted to take Federal money but not to take responsibility for programs. Notes that the Federal role is important in areas like Education, Infrastructure, Health, and the Environment. Notes that Governors and states avoided making decisions on CIVIL RIGHTS for many years. Says that it's a shame that the GOVERNORS failed to take the opportunity to denounce REAGAN'S idea that the U.S.A. is "fifty feudal states" rather than one nation. 01.26.43-WERTHEIMER-notes that the conference began as it ended, with plans for NEW FEDERALISM still waiting on REAGAN'S approval. Signs off. 01.27.14-Closing credits roll over shots of boaters on Lake as a man sings the theme of "OKLAHOMA", SHOT OF WATERSKIER. Transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 01.28.47-OUT