Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Schellinger vs. Long Thompson: what will they do?

Via this South Bend Trib article, you can find the actual plans of Jim Schellinger and Jill Long Thompson. As you might expect, there's a lot of overlap between the two. Schellinger's is significantly more detailed, which is nice for the wonkier of us, and he actually makes references to the eventual goal of "universal coverage" for health care, which is a bonus to me. Plus, each candidate has one "big" idea that the other doesn't share: expanding broadband internet across the state for Jill, and 20% of Indiana's energy from renewable sources by 2015 for Jim. Of the two, again, I prefer Schellinger's.

Combined with this gas tax holiday nonsense I gotta say I'm starting to lean Schellinger.

And speaking of assuming the voters are morons, today Thompson fleshed out her plan to cut gas taxes:
Thompson said a cap on the gasoline sales tax when the pump price exceeds $2.75 per gallon would save Hoosiers today 7 cents a gallon or $150 million a year.

"The high cost of oil is having an impact on many, many Hoosier families and it’s important for us to give them a break," Thompson said.

Thompson said such savings would stimulate the state’s economy by allowing families to spend elsewhere.

Wow, that $150 million sounds like a lot. Of course, if there are 6.5 million people in Indiana, then that means every Hoosier will save... $23. Per year. Just shy of two extra dollars a month you can use to "stimulate the economy." What will you do with all that money? Buy a hot dog? Lose it in your couch cushions?

3 comments:

Zee said...

I also like Schellinger's Education First budget planning. What stinks is that this feminist won't be voting for any women for big spots this year. But I guess the better choice is just that... better.

TioChuy said...

Mmmm... hotdogs! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edvEceUi_Rw&feature=related

el ranchero said...

"It's the dark nature of capitalism."

That was awesome.