Economic Stimulus Package: Too Much Pork, Too Little Stimulus

The nearly $900 billion (remember when $350 billion was expensive?) economic stimulus package, a.k.a. the Pork Package set forth by Democrats cleared the House and heads to the Senate with zero Republican support. If signed into law it would push federal debt to levels not seen since WWII. With support for many social programs, many have complained that much of it will do nothing to stimulate the economy with too much wasteful spending and not enough for tax cuts. In an op ed piece the WSJ calls it a political wonder that manages to spend money on just about every pent-up Democratic proposal of the last 40 years.

For all the talk of alternative energy and the importance of reducing our need for foreign oil by the Obama administration, the Christian Science monitor points out that just $24 billion can be directly attributed to green investments - $16 billion in tax breaks and $8 billion in loans. However, including renovations of federal buildings and public housing pushes that number higher and some see this as just a down payment with a separate energy bill to be announced later.

Some highlights of the package according to USA Today and WSJ:

$544 billion in new spending

$125 billion for public education including $20 billion for school renovations and $79 billion to avoid education related layoffs

$87 billion for Medicaid

$30 billion goes to road projects

$27 billion to continue unemployment insurance benefits

$20 billion for food stamps

$8 billion for renewable energies

$7 billion for modernizing federal buildings

$6 billion for mass transit

$5 billion for for the construction and repair of public housing

$4 billion for community activist programs such as ACORN

$2 billion for child care subsidies

$650 million for coupons for digital TV conversions

$400 million for global warming research

$335 million for STD prevention

$50 million for National Endowment of the Arts

• Republicans pushed the Democrats into dropping money for family planning and restoration of the National Mall
• The WSJ estimates that just 12% of the package could be considered a growth stimulus

$275 billion in new tax cuts

$145 billion: Tax cuts for 95% of working Americans, $500 for individuals, $1000 for couples and small business for 2 years

$23 billion: $1000 per child tax credit

$20 billion for company equipment write offs

$16 billion in “green” tax credits

$10 billion: $2500 credit for college

$6.9 billion for homeowner tax credits

For your reading pleasure…

House Stimulus Bill

Comments

[a. palmer jr.:]

I am now convinced that none of our elected officials have a clue as to how to manage money. They probably have to hire someone to do their personal finances. They should all have to give up their inheritances and go work at McDonalds for 5 years just to see how some of us live. They're throwing money away and eventually we'll have to pay it back in the form of higher taxes and who knows what else they'll dream up.

Jan 30 09:18 AM

[ain't no fo...:]

Well, Tate, it took you about 15 words to present your agenda... "a.k.a. the Pork Package set forth by Democrats" kinda set the framework... kinda a waste of time to go any further if you ask me... your credibility went down the crapper right there.

Jan 30 09:28 AM

[kelm:]

This will do nothing significant for employment. It truly is a "make up for what we couldn't do under Bush". It is interesting to compare this to what the Chinese premier said about their stimulus package. He spoke at Davos and outlined a very comprehensive plan for improving infrastructure, investing in technology, improving their competitiveness etc. He did also outline social program spending but it was of a strategic nature. Not this ad hoc cats-and-dogs package we have.

Jan 30 09:37 AM

[shootpar2001:]

'Bush that!!!.....Obama (Democrats) this!!!

Who cares!!!
Forget the politicians, they do not have a clue!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the economy is doing good ....its hey! look what I did!
If it is down....... hey! look at what they did to you!
If it is an election year....... well, you just saw.

Take care of yourself; FEMA is not coming.
Cut the un-necessary spending and save some capital for use
later.
Still searching for some 'Alpha' here........

Jan 30 09:52 AM

[Tate Dwinnell:]

I knew this would turn into .. well, what about Bush... the mistakes of that administration are behind us. I don't have a political agenda just pointing out the facts that there is a ton of crap in this bill that will do zero to stimulate the economy and not one republican voted for it.. along with 11 democrats. This isn't a bill for social programs, pet projects and pork, its about getting the economy going period.

Jan 30 12:29 PM

[Duude:]

I find it disappointing that this package is being marketed as stimulus. Most all of the infrastructure will be doled out in later years. This 'shovel ready' term is being used very loosely. It has been estimated that if this could actually create the 4 million new jobs that Obama promises it will, we will be paying $279,000 per job. What's wrong with this picture? This is primarily a democrat grab bag of goodies.
I now believe they are a lot more clever than I was giving them credit for. The plan isn't to lead to a recovery but to make some type of appearance while paying off those that have brought the democrats to power. If the recovery doesn't happen, blame it on capitalism and the Republicans. That's straight out of the Caesar Nero corruption in government handbook. It is also the wave that led FDR to 4 terms in office, regardless of the double digit unemployment he held onto with his failed policies. If the economy is in ruins, there is a greater tendency for many more people to opt out of capitalism and embrace socialist policies. This is the plan.

Jan 30 02:04 PM

[Albert Alle...:]

All of the companies that abuse this money should be prosecuted or at the very least have to pay it back with interest. If they would have given the tax payer half of the stimulus. It would hae gotton the economy running faster and I don't think they would have given out bonuses to thier children for the chores they did that week.

Jan 31 08:35 AM

[SteveMic:]

By far, the bulk of the new spending is for public education. I'm tryiing to give this stimulus package a fair shake, but I honestly don't see how public education spending will stimulate the economy.

What is "$79 billion to avoid education related layoffs"? Education related layoffs? I don't even know what that means! Frankly, I think more money should be spent retraining people who have lost jobs because their companies moved offshore.

I guess I was expecting more of an FDR-type Works Progress Administration, with jobs being created right off the top. The goals in this stimulus, although admirable, do not appear to me to kick start anything.

Jan 31 08:57 PM

[User 352625:]

So, you don't see the pork here? The only way that could be true is that you don't want to see it. You have to rationalize that this guy's first three WEEKS in office have not been a disaster.

Well, it looks like Jimmy Carter finally gets his second term. I lived through that "national malaise." Obama is just as negative with doom, gloom and, frankly terrorizing Americans with all the scare tactics, Jimmy must be laughing all the way to his collapsing Habitat for Humanity houses.

I voted for this clown. I can't believe I have to admit it was a mistake so soon. They said he was inexperienced...they didn't say he didn't have a clue. He's spending young people right into the poor house...and they're so poorly educated by the public school system they don't even see it. They'll never be able to afford a house now.

Feb 06 11:06 PM

[AntiPorky:]

Fort Worth, TX
Trinity River Vision Flood Control & Related Projects: Utility Relocations ($60.0M); Police & Fire Training Center Relocation Phase 1&2 ($111.50); Bypass Channel Arterial Bridges ($90.0M); Riverside WWTP Environmental Remediation & Park Restoration (

$383,500,000.00 - 4794 jobs - CDBG Program

No, No, No... this is pork. The flooding problem is with the arterial waterways that feed the Trinity. This is "Decorative" flood control and has been an under the radar earmark for years! This is "Elective River Surgery" and insurance or Fed Money should not cover it. The foundation of this project is land acquisition and eminent domain abuse enabled by a local, state and federal group of politicians who have manipulated the legal process in order to expand the Central City area by taking land at at bargain in the name of Flood Control. This is a land and development scheme that is full of cronyism, nepotism, and half truths. The project claims that the river is at risk to flooding and shows pictures of te 1949 flood as a fear tactic. The River levee system was put in place following that flood event and has works like a charm even in the heaviest rain to fall here in 100 years. The Corp of Engineers estimated within the last decade or so, that all the river levee system needed was 9 million dollars to repair in areas that needed from 2 to 4 feet of levee surface to protect from the Standard Project Flood, as required. From 9 million to 383.5 million is a lot of added cash and it is centered around Special Interest! This is exactly what needs to be eliminated from this bill. The Tarrant County area is tragically behind to the tune of 1 billion dollars in street and drainage repairs. It is precisely this arterial drainage that presents a threat to life, property and downstream flooding into Arlington... not the Trinity River and it's effective levee system that needs the 9 million dollar repair!!!!

www.stimuluswatch.org/...

Here is the link! Now it's your turn.

Let me know if there are other commissions watching out for Pork.

Feb 07 04:14 PM

[IDAHOE:]

lets not forget the trillions we spend on illegals, that sneak into our country, bankrupting hospitals and whole communities like a plague of locus,Tim Miles threw the war in the mix, wich is hell, "i know" but there are more people murdered here in our own country, get rid of the pork from this joke of a stimulus package, and the illegals and we can turn this country around, there are to many you owe me people out there today, In obamas first few days in office he really showed what he was made of, sent millions to the UN to slaughter the unborn, and get his brothers out of guantanamo, really worried about America?????? Take care of yourself and dont wait for some government hand out, theres no such thing as free cheese!!

Feb 09 10:38 AM

[PorkLover:]

I agree fellow Liberals! Because of George Bush; It's perfectly reasonable to lie to people about stimulating the economy! Why shouldnt money meant to create jobs go to fixing up the National Mall ! Sure, only less than 5% will be spent before 2010, but at least Bush isnt in office. Well, got to go bury my head in the sand. Have a liberal day!

Feb 09 01:56 PM

[knightowl1953:]

What hypocrisy!!! I find it amusing that under Bush we ended with the greatest deficit our country has ever had, a waste of one trillion dollars for a needless war, tax breaks for the very rich, billions giving to Bush cromies, corporations, and private contractors. And what the hell do we have to show for it?? We ended with the greatest economic chaos since the Great Depression. And all these idiots are now crying about all these "pork" which is intended to increase our public education, renew our infrastructure, and help create jobs. Republican pure hypocrisy.

Feb 09 07:22 PM

[knightowl1953:]

What a racist you are. Ignorance is bliss. My God. You blame everything that has nothing to do with this crisis. We are where we are because of corporate greed, the housing mess, Wall Street. Go put more fire in your outdoor cross!!!


On Feb 09 10:38 AM IDAHOE wrote:

> lets not forget the trillions we spend on illegals, that sneak into
> our country, bankrupting hospitals and whole communities like a plague
> of locus,Tim Miles threw the war in the mix, wich is hell, "i know"
> but there are more people murdered here in our own country, get rid
> of the pork from this joke of a stimulus package, and the illegals
> and we can turn this country around, there are to many you owe me
> people out there today, In obamas first few days in office he really
> showed what he was made of, sent millions to the UN to slaughter
> the unborn, and get his brothers out of guantanamo, really worried
> about America?????? Take care of yourself and dont wait for some
> government hand out, theres no such thing as free cheese!!

Feb 09 07:25 PM

[knightowl1953:]

Amazing. The poor guy has been in office for about three weeks now and he is getting this critical BS. At least have the decency to wait a year or two before you throw the bomb or most liekly you will be eating your crow by that time.


On Feb 06 11:06 PM User 352625 wrote:

> So, you don't see the pork here? The only way that could be true
> is that you don't want to see it. You have to rationalize that this
> guy's first three WEEKS in office have not been a disaster.
>
> Well, it looks like Jimmy Carter finally gets his second term. I
> lived through that "national malaise." Obama is just as negative
> with doom, gloom and, frankly terrorizing Americans with all the
> scare tactics, Jimmy must be laughing all the way to his collapsing
> Habitat for Humanity houses.
>
> I voted for this clown. I can't believe I have to admit it was a
> mistake so soon. They said he was inexperienced...they didn't say
> he didn't have a clue. He's spending young people right into the
> poor house...and they're so poorly educated by the public school
> system they don't even see it. They'll never be able to afford a
> house now.

Feb 09 07:28 PM

[reasoned123:]

It is simply a red-herring argument to refer to what George Bush did when evaluating the merit of the economic stimulus bill. The appropriate questions are is the proposal, targeted, timely, and temporary?

There are a number of layer strategies that could be tried to see if the erosion of jobs could be stopped, consumer confidence boosted, and economic vitality restored. Unfortunately, our elected politicians are not thinking objectively what will actually work for our country, but actually seeking to satisfy their political supporters.

Yes, we need to invest in education, alternative energy, and fix our aging infrastructure. No one debates the merit of those ideas. Although, they will assist in economic recovery, they will not be timely or temporary to implement. Those items should be in the upcoming appropriation bills.

Unemployment is rising and the situation is dire. There is a strong case for urgency. No bill is perfect - lest not targeted the bad to make the enemy of the good is the oratory of the hour.

I am concerned that is simple political calculus - designed to capitalize on the moment and exploit our fears. This what Carl Rove and George Bush did in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

Who says a bill cannot be perfect - isn't this the era of change? Old habits are hard to break, but we can stop succumbing to nicotine like addiction of self-interest.

Let's be honest. A distinguished panel of economic experts could have been created and tasked with developing a recommended economic stimulation plan. Trust me - none them would have recommended spending for STD prevention, public education, and money for the National Endowment of the Arts, and digital TV converters.

It is disappointing to see that the public discourse is just as dishonest as Congress and the President on the merit of the economic stimulus bill. Let's stop acting like this is some frivolous discussion on who is going to win the Super Bowl.

The future of our country is at risk. We need to pull together and find the right solutions to the problems at hand. It is simply a matter of intelligence - not party loyalty.

Creditor's books need to cleaned of bad sub-prime loans and mortgages need to be modified so that homeowners will not lose their homes. The flow of credit needs to be restored. Unemployment insurance needs to be increased and extended. Health-care for the unemployed should be provided. Incentives for business investment and job creation should be provided. Consumers need tax-savings to shore up their confidence about their economic survivability and give them motivation to come to the marketplace to make purchases and energize our economy.

It is that simple. So let's do it.

Feb 10 06:20 AM

[H2O Food:]

I watched in total amazment last night at Obama's ability to take at least seven minutes to answer a question, only to not answer the question. You can blame either party you want for the state of our economy if that makes you feel vindicated. The president dosn't run this country, dictators run countries. Last night Obama said that the federal government is the only entity that has the means to "jolt" the economy. Maybe he should be reminded of who the federal government is. It's YOU & I! He also has a problem with admiting that this package is full of "earmarks", come on, it is what it is!
Can any of you imagine what it would be like to make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, have free medical for you and your family, live in a very very nice home, not have to worry about retirement, and fly around the country in private jets?! I bet most of us could imagine that quicker than a lot of our elected officials could imagine living a modset middle class life at best. They have completely lost touch with reality. They have no idea of what a hint of insecurity feels like in their daily lives.
How many of you take the time to call, email, or fax your elected officials. We have been to complacent for to long. This past election was amazing, however, where have all those people been all these years. Why hasn't EVERY presidential election had the turn out this one had? I hate to say this but I believe there were many many voting for the wrong reasons. I honestly believe that there were many voting for a color. I believe that there alot of younger voters voting for the "cool" factor. BUT, thats a start it getting people envolved.
We need to take this country back. There are three very important words that some of our politicians seem to have forgotten. "WE THE PEOPLE", does that ring a bell to anyone?
Make you voice heard. Write your elected officials, email them. If you dont know who they are, shame on you! Look them up, find out who they are, get involved, stay in touch with whats going on.
Ok, I'll get off my soap box, have a productive day America!
Oh one more thing...read "THE FAIR TAX BOOK"

Feb 10 09:33 AM

[Tim Miles:]

Well, Tate, blogging has its ups and downs, but at least you know how some of us feel after 8 years of a Republican Administration that paid lip service to such things as improving science and math education, stimulating innovation through adequate funding of basic R&D, and assisting the U.S. manufacturing base.

Feb 13 10:45 AM

[juxtapose:]

H2O.... I ditto your comment completely. I'm a recent immigrant who's now a citizen of this great country, and am appalled with the current state of things. I precisely left a socialist country to be able to live among the free but now it seems like the tide is beginning to turn and we're slowly losing the values that I hold so dear about the U.S.A.

We've lost truth, integrity and the willingness to sacrifice for others and replaced these with lies, greed, and self-entitlements. We need to take our country back and get it away from the slippery slope of socialism.

Please don't be mistaken... I am all for a safety net for those caught up in a mix of unfortunate circumstances and need a hand to catch up with life, but I'm not for paying to keep people from working so that my hard earned tax dollars end up going into subsidizing their lifestyles with no end in sight.

Again, I am a new citizen... I entered this country the legal way and I waited almost over 7 years to be a citizen. And I earned it the hard way... after countless of refusals due to bureaucratic, blotted government b.s. (they lost my immigration paperwork! twice!! this is another story unto it's own) and only after writing dozens of petition letters to state officials and representatives, did I finally become one.

Although I have sympathy for the illegals, as they are only here because of personal economic or political strife in their own country, in addition to their government's ineffectiveness and complete disregard for their welfare, do they seek work and civil protection here, however, I think that by not fixing their own problems, we are welcoming their problems here. Just look at Phoenix, Arizona, a city which has the second highest kidnapping stats in the world outside of Mexico City. Again, this is not meant to be detrimental to the Mexicans as there are many hardworking folks working here at below minimum wage and are truly the engine behind our economy in many sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and retail services. So here's my suggestion... coming from the point of view of a new immigrant.... I think we should start incorporating guest worker visas for 2-3 years to make it easier for businesses to hire manual labor cheaply and legally, and ensure that these workers are legal tax paying workers in our country, in turn, this arrangement allows to travel freely, have access to health insurance and provide them with the means to provide a good living wage for their families back in their country. This will help with our dire shortfall at the hospitals and public schools, as they will not have to bring their families over to be reunited with them or have anchor babies in order to continue living here in a semi-illegal way.

Just my 5 cents.

Feb 14 12:53 AM

[aux:]

its too much like slavery, the way we did it in the roman empire. ive never known a mexican or latin american person here who is lazy and did not contribute to the environment they worked/lived in. as far as illegals, they dont pay taxes, but a lot of them make less, pretty much the difference. problem is, accepting this as ok with them being the driving force behind many of the lower paying jobs, is too much like slavery in a way. but then again, there is the other form of slavery, the one that too many americans completely overlook; the economic slavery in which they have been living in since they were born. and imho, its been going since the beginning of the 20th century.

industrialism really was the powerhouse of america. its a damn shame that its been sold away.

corperations that hire overseas but are stationed in america and operate from our country as a home base operation, are traitors imho and so is anyone or any organization, administration, etc that makes any deals with outside nations that involve the comprimising of our nations resources.

the folks who are responsible for this mess sold our nation down the tubes. they have made us pay for their greeds, and thier profits before people, and thier controls. interesting how the corpratocracy has a military to back them up..

its going to take a long time to recover from this mess caused by these horrid traitors to our country. the kinda guys who would pay a man to win a war for us, then get rid of him when they wanted control of his lands. even at home, the kinda guys who beef up the local legislatures rule inforcement systems (police unfortunately) and raise prices high to thier own will, as to generate more revenue for the states. even worse, their decisions on what consequences to use for breaking rules is based on an obsolete, sniveling, and downright rediculous belief systems that still poisons the minds of many, and of course, greed.

in my eyes, if you prey on our nation for your own personal benifit and dont put anything of use back into it, then you are a slimy lizard with no balls. if you leave damage and harm after your glorious campaign for self fullfillment, then you are an 100% TRAITOR TO AMERICA.

the real terrorists are the banks, the stock market manipulators, and the economic hit men. more people have suffered in thier wake than any so called "terrorist" attack in history, ever.

Feb 18 02:04 AM