This stimulus package is a big one.  These ideas are just mine and feel free to disagree as I am really wanting someone to explain the other side because I am just not getting it right now.

• If we don’t have the money to spend, why are we spending it?  I realize that we need to do something.  However, I am of the mind that if we don’t liek the practices of a bank, then we don’t do any business with that bank.  If we feel that the auto industry is not being responsible with their finances, then we don’t buy their cars.  That is what bankruptcy restructuring is for.
• If it doesn’t create a job in the next 6 months, it shouldn’t be in the bill.  I don’t see any reason why $650 billion dollars is in the stimulus package to fund the digital TV switch.
• If it needs to be funded by the government, it should be passed through committee and voted on it’s merit instead of being pushed through in the stimulus package.  I am not against giving $300 million to combat violence against women, but it should go through committee and be voted on by it’s own merit.  Don’t bypass the system and sneak it in here.
• Every child needs to be taken care of.  But $2 billion for child care assistance should be passed on it’s own merit.
• Funding college scholarships will benefit in the long run but it won’t bring on new jobs in the next 6 months.  Deal with it separate and find a way to pay for it that won’t bring us further in debt.
• $4.2 billion for “neighborhood stabilization activities” should be a local governance issue.  Not a federal issue and not here.
• Come on!!! $448 billion for a new home for the Department of Homeland Defense?  Yes, it will bring more construction jobs, but why does it have to be here?  Why can’t you pay for it in the budget for DHD?
• $350 million for Agriculture Department computers? That will make their jobs easier but it won’t add a single job or stimulate any economic progress.

I think some of these spending bills are good and will increase productivity but they shouldn’t be in THIS bill.   Here are some good ideas that are in the bill that I think are good ideas.

• Money to rebuild bridges and roads
• Money to create jobs in the private sector in the next 6 months – not 2 years from now
• Giving the people back their money to spend how they want. I can spend it much better  than they can.

My financial background has taught me a few things that I do try to live by.

• If I can’t pay for it in cash, I either need to save for it or do without.
• If I can’t afford to pay it back, I don’t need to borrow – a loan or credit
• If I can’t afford to save a little each month, I am spending too much.

So please tell me where you think I am missing the boat because I totally don’t uderstand why if we are in such a deep hole already, why we need to spend $1.3 trillion after interest.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy