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The GOP has released a list of specific spending programs that they have issues with in the stimulus package. While I don't agree with all of them, I do agree with some. I've listed them below, along with a link to the original CNN article.
The items that I agree should be removed, via CNN:
• $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.
• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD's.
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities."
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
• $1.2 billion for "youth activities," including youth summer job programs.
• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service.• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
• $75 million to construct a "security training" facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.Total: $3.624 billion
Granted, these things are a bit of a drop in the overall bucket when you look at it in the grand scheme of the size and scope of this package - but there is also no need to fold a lot of this into this bill just for the sake of getting funding for certain projects.
But come on - some of these can't be that big of a deal, and the Democrats could buy some goodwill if they show a willingness to compromise on them.
