
‘Non-stimulating’ Stimulus Update
Money from the ill-concieved $1 trillion stimulus bill is still pouring out. Remember that since we were already in deficit before the stimulus, 100% of these funds are being borrowed. So, just what are they being spent on? Well, Vice President Biden is kind enough to send each member of Congress a periodic statement of what stimulus money has been spent on in that member’s congressional district. Last year, the VP’s list to me included $2.6 million to install a "green roof" on a nearly vacant building which was being considered for demolition. The list he sent me this year had a total of 15 items totaling $24,878,506. By far, the biggest single award was to UCI for $14,090,736 for "pell grants" which are tuition subsidies for low income students. The remainder included $3.8 million to 4 local governments for "energy efficiency" in government buildings and "community development". There’s $1.7 million to CalTrans for "pavement upgrades”, $99,986 to a private company named Metrolaser, Inc. for an Army research contract, and$4.5 million for 3 colleges for "energy efficiency" or further tuition… Read More