Just a couple of days ago, Scott Walker, Fartfuhrer of the Totalitarian Corporate Plutocracy of Fitzwalkerstan, formerly Wisconsin, was crowing about how he had balanced the budget. He was lying, of course. He had a balanced budget when he was elected, but despite gutting worker’s compensation and services for citizens, all his giveaways to the Koch Brothers and other corporate criminals have built up a significant deficit. Now that Fitzwalkerstan will be getting mortgage relief for homeowners, the Fartfuhrer’s plan for that money has nothing to do with the homeowners.
Millions of dollars that are supposed to help Wisconsin homeowners trying to pay mortgages could instead end up helping balance the state budget.
The controversy started brewing Thursday.
Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced they were going to take roughly 18 percent of bank-paid mortgage settlement funds to help balance the state budget.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said that’s wrong.
"This is a bait and switch. These funds are clearly intended for people who lost their homes, for neighborhoods that have been devastated by the foreclosure crisis. And instead, the governor and the attorney general are saying well let’s just take this money for something wholly unrelated to this crisis," Barrett said.
A spokesman for the governor said he would not make any new comments on the part of the settlement being used to balance the state budget… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <WISN>
I have little doubt that once the money hits the general fund, a significant portion will find its way to paying people to fight the recall effort, just as he had county employees working on his campaign for Governor.
Ed Schulz interviewed Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and State Senator Lena Taylor.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The recall cannot come too soon.
As an aside, I have opposed the Republican plan to convert Medicaid to a voucher program for states. If they succeed, this is what Republican Governors will do with health care funds for the poor.
23 Responses to “Walker Steals Mortgage Settlement Money”
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This sounds an awful lot like a breach of trust conditions! And that, which is in essence theft in this case, should be dealt with appropriately by someone outside Fitzwalkerstan — like maybe the FBI or Eric Holder, the US Attorney General. The state AG is complicit and out the door he goes with charges pending. Perhaps the two will enjoy sharing a cell at the big house. Personally, I think the distribution and use of the funds has to be audited because I don’t think Republicans can be trusted generally to use the funds as intended.
Scott Walker is an asshole and graduated sum cum laude from the University of Assholes! In fact, I think he got his PhD!
Lynn, I agree, and I’m sure there must be a civil and/or criminal remedy for this, but I lack the legal expertise to know what it is.
As an aside, I have opposed the Republican plan to convert Medicaid to a voucher program for states. If they succeed, this is what Republican Governors will do with health care funds for the poor.
Tom, I have been saying this for a long time. This is what Ron Paul wants. All hell is going to break loose when federal responsibilities are farmed out to the states. I hope this never happens.
Angelica, this is what they all want, not just Rabid Ronnie.
Stunning move on their part! They had to do it to balance the budget because their policies created such a deficit in WI. What a couple of turds!
You’re insulting turds.
It’s hard to believe a more hateful man is holding office, hopefully this will turn on him, that this guy is on his way to prison – and heaping more time on his term with every abuse of funds and citizens – what a hateful son of a bitch!
Lee, we agree.
It took Illinois a while to get rid of Gov Blago– It will take years to recover from the damage he did–Sadly – Walker has done even more damage in a shorter time than Blago– Once they get rid of this ass- the state will have a hard time putting the pieces back together-
Blago was horrible. Walker makes him look like a saint, by comparison.
This is just out and out theft by another Republican stooge; not that the Democrats are any better. Politicians are so avaricious and myopic. Then again what can one expect from most of them who are borderline sociopaths?
King Barky promised mortgage relief to the tune of 26 Billion Dollars. When you work it out it comes out to a mere pittance for the individual homeowner. 260 billion dollars would have been more appropriate although when all the suffering and frustration that the American homeowner has had to endure it should have been at least a trillion dollars on the table with no questions asked. Make the banks pay out what they really should since they are the ones who created the sub prime mess in the first place.
I do have one question though. Is this payout to only those with valid mortgages or does it include all those people who were granted loans but had no credit; no equity; probably no job and who should have never been granted a mortgage in the first place. To me the latter should receive no mortage assisstance payout at all.
Michael, if you really believe there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats, you need to take off the blinders.
This thread is about Scott Walker. There is an article posted here yesterday that corrects your misunderstanding of the 26 Billion, or we have an Open Thread every day, where you can discuss whatever you want.
If this isn’t illegal, it should be. But there’s little doubt that antics like this will seal his fate of being removed from office – if not in a perp walk, than by the people. Either way is just fine with me!
“Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced they were going to take roughly 18 percent of bank-paid mortgage settlement funds to help balance the state budget.”
I can’t say what I think of Scott Walker…. sigh
Ditto that, Richard.
Nameless, I was hoping you’s be citing law books on this one. 😉
Really??? That money is NOT Walkers or Van Hollens. Governor or attorney general, what gives them the right to use any of those funds? When is Van Hollen going to be arrested and when is the damn recall for Walker. They are both out of here!!! I think we need to hold a good old public town square hanging! Assholes!!!
Welcome Sharon! 🙂
See below please.
Why ??? Are these people “ALLOWED” To Do This ??? This is just unbelievable !!!!
Welcome Elizabeth! 🙂
See below please.
Like most of you, I also figure that there must be something illegal about this. I just don’t know what it is. When I find out, I’ll let you know.
He’s a criminal and belongs in jail-not the country club kind but the real prison!
Welcome Sandy! 🙂
I certainly agree.