"COMPASSIONATE CONSERVATIVE" ALERT

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 — The Bush administration will repeal a Clinton-era rule that allows states to use unemployment insurance money to help people who take a leave from work to have babies or adopt children, officials said today.

The executive action will effectively shut down legislative efforts in as many as 16 states to make unemployment compensation money available to working parents who have taken time off to care for a newborn or adopted child.

The move prompted an outcry among family rights advocates and women's groups, but was welcomed by business groups that had opposed the rule since President Bill Clinton approved it in June 2000. (Full story)

Isn't that just the loveliest way to deal with the economic slowdown? Bush sure hasn't lost his touch with the common man, woman, or parent!

I like the explanation they give:

The Labor Department said the repeal was necessary because the economic slowdown since the Sept. 11 attacks had depleted state unemployment trust funds, leaving 28 states with less than 12 months of benefits in reserve.

...but good god, nothing could ever bring into question that 2 trillion* dollar tax cut, could it?

* The 1.3trillion stat is bogus, after later hidden costs come out, including with the alternative minimum tax (that's going to be fun), the cut will probably cost a lot more than even 2 trillion