A Readable Summary of the Stimulus / Jobs Bill (Chris Bowers)

[KoKo]

A Readable Summary of the Stimulus / Jobs Bill
by: Chris Bowers
Thu Feb 12, 2009 at 13:07


In the extended entry, I have re-produced a readable version of the stimulus summary from Speaker Pelosi's office. I have found the other summaries floating around the web almost impossible to read, thus making a dense document even more opaque. It is still pretty long, but hopefully this shines a little light.

Here's a SUMMARY...but the details are at the Website:

Unprecedented Accountability: An historic level of transparency, oversight and accountability will help guarantee taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and ensure that Americans can see the results of their investment.

* There are no earmarks or pet projects.
* In many cases, funds are distributed to existing initiatives with proven track records and with tough accountability measures already in place.
* How funds are spent, all announcements of contract and grant competitions and awards, and formula grant allocations must be posted on a special website created by the President. It must also include the names of agency personnel to contact with concerns about infrastructure projects.
* Public notice of funding must include a description of the investment funded, the purpose, the total cost, and why recovery dollars should be used. Governors, mayors, or others making funding decisions must personally certify that the investment has been fully vetted and is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. This information will also be placed on the internet.
* The Council of Economic Advisors must report quarterly on the results for the American economy.
* A Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board will be created to review management of recovery dollars and provide early warning of problems. The board is made up largely of Inspectors General.
* The Government Accountability Office and the Inspectors General are provided additional funding and access for special review of recovery funding.
* State whistleblowers who report fraud and abuse are protected.

MORE DETAIL at.......

http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=11577