“While I am sympathetic to the situation facing the Big Three automakers, I do not believe that the circumstances warrant such a massive taxpayer-funded bailout — particularly when there are other existing avenues of relief and restructuring they have yet to pursue.”

— U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., after the U.S. House last week agreed to $15 billion in loan guarantees for the U.S. auto industry. The Senate refused to pass the bill a day later. The Bush administration said Friday that it would step in.

5 BIG CUTS

Education and health care accounted for more than $200 million of the $382 million cut from state spending last week. A look at the five biggest cuts in state government outside of schools and health care. They include the state’s court system, prison system and environmental protection agency.
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