Stimulus Watch

It is our responsibility to watch our elected representatives and to inform them of our views on subjects of interest.  The spending of $787 Billion of YOUR money must surely be one of those "subjects of interest"!

Personally, I don't expect the "Transparency" that this administration has promised.  It hasn't happened yet, what with all the bills being railroaded through the process!

Here's the last paragraph from a report on CNN Money of what may be expected in tax savings:

"...Of course what filers' save on their federal taxes under stimulus may be muted by the fact that their cities and states --facing steep budget shortalls  that will be lessened but not eliminated by stimulus funding -- may end up raising taxes and fees..."

If there is going to be "Transparency", one would expect the dollar figures to be released as OUR money is being handed out.  At least to the minimum amount of $50,000.

Example:  $2 Million for Bike Paths
Winning contractor: $2 Million
New Equipment: $500,000
5 New Hires/$25 per hour/250 hours=$31,250
Management $10,000
Materials $250,000
Total time for Project to completion: 60 days

Now, will these 5 "new hires" be laid off again?  YES!

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One paragraph from the Recovery Act Implementing Guide...

"For each government contract or order (or modification to an existing contract or order) over $500,000, agencies should provide a summary of the contract or order (or modification to an existing contract or order), including a description of the required products and services, which will be made available publicly and linked to Recovery.gov"

OK, so any contract or order under half a million dollars doesn't require any further breakdown.  Great!  Want to guess how many projects will come in under half a million dollars?
I could set up a small office and count Gray Whales off the coast of California for $499,000.

Please keep informed!