Talking Points: The People Speak On Stimulus Package
Written by Audrie Zettick on January 28, 2009
Around the country, the grassroots are speaking out, calling and emailing their congressional delegations in opposition to the current so-called economic stimulus package–”The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” Put forward as an “emergency” appropriation needed in time of economic distress, it looks more like a Christmas package for overzealous big government spenders.
In spite of some small changes made in the past 24-48 hours–such as pulling the inclusion of contraceptive programs as part of economic stimulus–the bill remains bloated and chock full of programs that either require more consideration or are downright detrimental to the country at this time. (note: it is my understanding that the programs for ”
Regardless of your political persuasion, we urge you to contact your elected officials NOW in Washington (and especially your Senator) and tell them to oppose the current bill. (Contact info here).
Here are some quick, simplified talking points:
- This is too important to be partisan. Republican proposals were shut out of consideration by the Congressional democrats, who operated behind closed doors.
- The $825 billion stimulus package is actually estimated to cost over $1.1 trillion over ten years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. (Some estimates take it as high as $2 trillion).
- Bloated excessive spending doesn’t work. In the Bush Administration, spending was increased at the Departments of Transportation, Education and Health and Human Services to the tune of 2, 3, and 4 times the rate of inflation (respectively). Look at where that got us. Why do we think the same actions would work now and not worsen things?
- This is billed as an emergency appropriation. Congressional budget office revised estimates say that only 64.4% of the funds will be spent in 18 months from enactment. Further, less than 21% of the funds are expected to be utilized in 2009. At minimum, let’s cut the funds not being used on an immediate basis!
- It is shameful to believe that the myriad of programs included in the bill are for economic stimulus. (Customize your response from this list of pork. Hat tip Glenn Beck and staff). This bill is just an excuse to ram new programs through. This legislation would create more than 32 new programs!
To help stabilize our economy, we agree with the tax cuts included in the bill. However, we prefer less spending and a better focus on what tax cuts can do to immediately stimulate the flagging economy, such as that included in the alternative “The Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act.”
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” is a “borrow and spend” bill that will burden our children for decades. We demand that you vote “no.”
(Note: see also the “Melt the Phone Lines” initiative on Top Conservatives on Twitter.)
