The End of Federalism: COPS in Columbus

David B. Muhlhausen / May 27, 2009

During his visit to Columbus, Ohio on March 6, 2009, President Obama touted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as the type of “bold action” that is necessary to stimulate the economy. $1.25 million in stimulus funding awarded by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), according to President Obama, would be used to save the jobs of 75 Columbus police recruits who recently received pink slips.

Speaking to the recruits and the media, President Obama said, “There is no longer any doubt you will be employed as officers of the law when you leave here today.”

Less than three months later, the job security of the recruits is now in question. Unless Columbus voters approve a tax increase, the recruits, who thought their jobs were saved by President Obama, may now be laid-off at the end of the year. (more…)