• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.
Maybe: I like the idea of a near-zero emissions coal power plant, but if you go on The We Campaign, they have videos and information on the fact that coal cannot be clean, that is, near zero-emissions. Or at least, it's practically impossible. The thing is, could it be worth it in the future? Zero-emissions are always good, and maybe the project would develop into something that would cause all coal producers to be like this.
• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
Agree: I don't think Hollywood needs tax breaks, but that's just me.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
Disagree: If the government wants people to change the way they get TV, they should provide the funding for it - which, actually, is just us buying it for ourselves anyway. But why give the government more money? And honestly, people won't be able to afford it at this time.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
Maybe: I think this could be put on hold for now. I read somewhere (CNN?) that the Arctic is melting much, much faster than they expected, with most of the ice gone by 2013. Why would we need a new polar icebreaker? I would want Obama to speak with some Arctic scientists and environmentalists and see what the consensus is. Because right now, there is a lot of vying for Arctic land. -coughoilcough-
• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
Agree: Why do they need a new one? I need this explained more before I'd buy it. UPDATED: I have been informed that in fact, they don't have anything. Oops. But could we cut a little on the cost. I think they would need a little place to work though.
• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.
Agree: Can't they use the old furniture? Or how about recycled furniture? Or what about yard sales?
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
Disagree: This is a great thing. I think it'll set a good precedent for the American people, show other governments that the USA does care about the environment, and save the government more money for better things.
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD's.
Disagree: Fantastic. If teenagers or people in general are going to be more sexually active, let's at least keep them safe and healthy.
• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
Disagree: I like this idea. I think I would need to see it laid out more, the implementation and ideas for it, but it sounds like it would be a good thing.
• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.
Maybe: If the Washington sewer system sucks, then it should be taken care of. But does the government need to do that with this bill?
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
Maybe: I love the Smithsonian, and I think updating its facilities would attract more people, would could educate more people, and spark ideas in younger children. However, $150 million seems like a lot.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
Disagree: Wow, that's a lot...but don't we need a Census?
• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities."
Maybe: What does this mean? What does this entail? I think advocating for people to give up smoking is a good thing, so if this targets awareness and such, I like it. Sometimes people need that extra hand - I'm not saying to start forcing people to stop smoking (the government can't tell people to stop, only give them the information).
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
Disagree: Fantastic. This is what a lot of CC's need. A lot of schools in general.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
Agree: Don't they already get paid? They work for the FBI, they don't need a salary.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
Disagree: I think if the Native American's need it, the government should provide help and information and centers for this kind of thing. They are Americans too.
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.
Disagree: Uh, duh. Did they see Katrina?
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.
Disagree: Something like 60% of all bridges are in disrepair. Let's look at the canals, too. If we want a strong America, let's make sure everything inside is working properly.
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into "green" buildings.
Disagree: Fantastic idea! The government should be the head of the train when it comes to environmentalism
• $500 million for state and local fire stations.
Maybe: Is this a Federal vs. State government thing? I mean, I think the government should help fire stations, but shouldn't it be up to the State to decide how much is given?
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
Disagree: It's National forest land, then yes, this is good. Don't want fires spreading everywhere, do we?
• $1.2 billion for "youth activities," including youth summer job programs.
Disagree: Love this idea! This is a way to get our youth involved with government and various other programs. Good idea!
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.
Maybe: Honestly, don't know enough about the problems.
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.
Maybe: See above comment.
• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.
Maybe: Again, see above.
• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Disagree: I mean, this could be some people's only source of income, or that little extra source. And they're helping the National and Community all at once. Don't they deserve it?
• $5.5 million for "energy efficiency initiatives" at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
Maybe: I don't know what this means.
• $850 million for Amtrak.
Maybe: If it's to try and get Amtrak green, or to develop some kind of bullet train or more public transportation - yes. If not, then no.
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
Maybe: Could the government mandate this is some other way and let the market take care of it? I think getting companies to do this would be a better idea and not waste government money.
• $75 million to construct a "security training" facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
Maybe: Ohhhhh....I like the idea - but I see the Repubs. point to it too. I think the amount could be downgraded a bit. Maybe build just a small portion for right now? Or redo some of the older buildings?
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
Disagree: I kind of wrote a whole paper about how a lot of Farmers need computer access...so I'm gunna have to say a yes to this provision.
Disagree: What do Republicans have against alternative energy? Seriously guys.
Total:
Agree: 4
Maybe: 13
Disagree: 15
I think that still makes me an Independent - right? hahaha.
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