Unemployed millionaires

Absurd. Yet, somehow, it makes perfect sense.

Just when you've reached your wit's end regarding news out of Washington, along comes news which pretty much sums up a good deal of foolishness.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., our own Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., have introduced legislation that would end the unemployment payments to jobless millionaires.

That's right - jobless millionaires on the federal dole.

The federal government's unemployment subsidy for those households earning more than $1 million will end if this legislation passes.

Unemployment insurance is a critical and temporary safety net for Americans who need help in getting by, asserts Udall. It's also become a political football between dueling political philosophies of government spending. Giving unemployment benefits "to millionaires, takes the cake," said Coburn. "If there ever was a common sense spending cut, this is it."

According to data provided by the Internal Revenue Service, some 2,840 U.S. households have reported an income of $1 million or more, but were also paid $18.6 million in unemployment benefits.

The bill will save more than $100 million over the next five years as well as take necessary steps that unemployment insurance isn't misappropriated.

- Montrose (Colo.) Daily Press