The most tangible, immediate thing to come from the stimulus: State services will be saved.

[Zynx]

The most important thing as I see it in this stimulus bill is the fact that states will be able to save a great number of their education and health care programs. The current recession has pushed almost all states into varying degrees of budget crisis:

http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.htm



A lot of states are cutting or preparing to cut vital programs ranging from higher education to help for the mentally disabled. In a few states I've seen, they are practically obliterating assistance to those recovering from addictions. This bill will immediately make it possible for states to preserve many of these vital services over the next two years.

Not all services will be saved, but millions of people nationwide will see very tangible effects from this bill in the form of preserved services.

In a perfect world we could have done more, but with the politics of this country this is probably the best we could have done. Millions of people will continue to receive the benefits they need to live a decent life and others will be added to the rolls of expanded programs.

We as Democrats (and also the Republican governors who tried to lobby for this) should be proud of what we did on this front.

[Frustratedlady]

1. And we should see the effects within 45 days, right?

It is my understanding that the towns/cities are positioned to move. Is that true? I know they have been talking about infrastructure repair in my city and it had to be ready to go when the money arrived. I thought withing 180 days, though. Maybe they just have to have the plans in process?

[Zynx]

7. I know for a fact that quite a few places already have their projects lined up and ready

to go. States, counties, and cities have been assessing what they can do for weeks now and I think they have a lot of ideas.

[Telly Savalas]

8. It depends on where you live.

If your local governments are well managed, you'll probably quickly see an effect.

Here in Kansas City, I'm pretty sure they won't take any action until they have 18 months worth of community meetings, focus groups, and reports from consultants. To keep busy in the meantime, the city council will sue the mayor or vice versa.

[Frustratedlady]

10. Boy, you've got them figured out.

We are working with budgets so tight, they will be eager to have some relief, not only in the city, but in the schools. There are some teachers who are breathing a little easier, too.

[Christian30]

2. Agreed.

I'm glad this was preserved as much as it was.

[Zynx]

3. The state education and Medicaid aid will allow states to shift general funds from

those parts of the budget to other programs. While the general fiscal stabilization money should have been more, this is vitally important.

[man4allcats]

4. This is a good thing.

Of course one could always wish for more. I hate to see fat cats partying and raking in huge bonuses on this. It makes me think if these assholes are using this money to further their already luxurious lives, then how about a little real cash in my pocket? Still, I know I personally can survive without another several hundred dollar stimulus check. I sure wouldn't turn it down, but I can make it okay without it. On the other hand, I have friends who are desperate. I help them as much as I can each time I get paid, but there's only so much I can do. They rely to a significant extent on government services for health care and food stamps for groceries. I am personally grateful that efforts are being made to help those truly in need.

[Zynx]

5. Virtually no money in this package goes to rich people.

Very precious little will.

[man4allcats]

6. Good!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[PBS Poll-435]

9. An excellent point!

Nice OP!

K/R

[bigdarryl]

11. Not according to Corzine this idiot of a Governor we in NJ have is saying

even with the stimulus money the state will still be in the red. If the politicians stop stealing the damn money in this state we wouldn't be in the red.

[Zynx]

12. New Jersey is probably much deeper in deficit than he originally thought.

We'll see what the numbers are when they come out next.

[Jennicut]

14. The budget in CT is even having major problems and we are one of the wealthiest states in the US

Everyone was hit hard.

[chill_wind]

13. Critical money! Here's another link

with easy to see breakdowns on all the spending and all the tax cuts.
Thanks and K & R.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5053289&mesg_id=5053289