Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Senate Budget

Sunday the Senate passed a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill. This is to keep the government working. Of course there is a hell of a lot of pork included but that's expected. Our representatives certainly love to spend our great grand children's' money.

What really upsets me is that now Congress wants to raise the debt ceiling, now at $12.1 trillion, to $14 trillion, so the Treasury can continue to borrow.The question is, who is going to continue to lend the USA money?

The Democrats in Congress are getting crazier and crazier and yes, I will be writing in the next day or so.

Where is fiscal responsibility? Why are there still pork projects? When are these people going to lead rather than be guided by greed?

Remember this $1.1 trillion has nothing to do with the proposed Health Care Reform bills. God only knows what the final price tag to the American tax payer will be when all is said and done.

The country is facing a financial crisis - the highest unemployment on record, home foreclosures all over the place, small companies failing, some big companies collapsing as well and Congress's solution is let's spend more.

Maybe some of these senators and congress people need to be put on the unemployment line so that they can taste the reality of millions of Americans.

Congress needs to wake up to reality and get their heads out of the stars (or a part of their anatomy.)

At the same time we need to start making noise because its our money not theirs.

Share your thoughts and ideas, we need to work together to save the country from the dreamers on Capital Hill.

Its Common Sense!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bailouts, Credit Card Interest Rates, Congress

Like most of you, I am getting angry about the bank?credit card company solution to paying back their bailout money. They expect us the consumer to pay ourselves back our tax money that we "lent" to them, so they could get out of the poorly managed situation.

Frustrated with the government's response or lack of, I decided it was time once again to get a letter off to Capital Hill. The letter to my representatives follows. Pleas feel free to us all or part in writing to your own representatives. We the people need to run the government, not the banks. Let's make sure that those we voted into office clearly understand who they are working for.

Its Common Sense!


Dear Senator,
As you know there has been a lot in the news recently regarding banks/credit card companies increasing their fees and interest rates. A spokesperson for the industry stated that the reason for the increases is so the banks/credit card companies can repay the government as quickly as possible.
Here is my confusion. The bailout money is our tax dollars. The banks are expecting us to pay back our tax dollars. Where is the bank's/credit card companies' responsibility in all of this? I have seen nothing about executive salary limits, elimination of bonuses and other perks. I saw the President meet with the various CEO's but did not get the impression that any of them were going to change the business practices.
Therefore, what I want to know is just what conditions, restrictions and protections you and the rest of Congress put into place before sending out the bailout money?
From what I have seen thus far it appears that nothing was done to protect the US taxpayer. Our money (and the tax dollars of the next two or three generations) was carelessly thrown out to various financial institutions with a smile and a "we know you'll do the right thing."
Frankly, I am very disappointed in the current Congress. First you send out a trillion in bailout. Then you pass a budget that is full of pork, come on railroads from Disneyland to Vegas, give me a break. Now there are rumors of even more bailouts to the banks.
It needs to stop. The taxpayers need relief. Those of us who are employed can only take so much. I know the President has promised no new taxes. Maybe from the federal government. But have you noticed that state taxes and fees are on the rise? Going to the grocery store has become more expensive because growers and sellers have more taxes and fees to pay.
What is needed is a just tax plan. Do not give me back $20.00 a pay from federal income tax, when the state I live in has doubled the price of license registration, increased property taxes, as well as the state income tax.
What we need to see from Washington are concrete solutions. We need to see the banks/credit card companies, and other industries held accountable. Why not inform the banks that CEO's need to cap their salaries at $400,000.00 a year, just like the President of the United States? That left over salary money would go a long way to paying off the bad debt the bank acquired when they were being greedy going after mortgages.
Do not talk in generalities. We do not need more feel good phrases that mean nothing. We need Congress and the President to take charge, hold those who screwed up accountable (I am tired of hearing that the employees at AIG most responsible for that company's collapse are the ones they can not afford to let go. There is no such thing as irreplaceable; there are probably at least ten overly qualified candidates for every position at AIG and the other financial institutions who can do better at a lower cost.)
Help us now! Take action! The American public needs to be protected. If the current Congress can not provide us with the support and protection we need, then come the next election we will have to review other alternatives.
Thank you.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Senator Mikulski on Climate Change

I do not remember writing to Senator Mikulski about climate changes, but since I write a lot its a possiblity. Anyway, here is the response she sent, either to me or some one else.



Dear Mr. Wolfe:

Thank you for contacting me about global climate change. It's great to hear from you.

I share your very serious concerns about the threats posed by global warming. I have always been concerned about the effects of global warming on our oceans, forests and wildlife habitats. I understand the broad impacts of climate change on the health of our people and our food and water supply.

That's why I am fighting for a sensible energy plan that includes incentives for new renewable and energy efficient technologies. This plan must decrease our reliance on foreign fossil fuels and significantly reduce global warming pollution.

Most recently I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) which was signed into law by President Obama on February 2, 2009. The ARRA included over $41 billion to improve the way our country uses, produces and conserves energy. I supported this legislation because I believe in a sensible energy plan that promotes alternative energy and energy efficiency and reduces global warming pollution.

I also want you to know that I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Cleaner, Greener, and Smarter Act of 2009 (S.5) which calls for legislation to improve the economy and the security of the United States by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and the risks of global warming.

Again, thank you for contacting me. As the Congress addresses the important issue of climate change. You can be sure that I will continue to fight for measures to reduce pollution and fight global warming.Sincerely, Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future,please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.gov/or call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654

Monday, April 6, 2009

Kudos to Gates

I give Secretary of Defense Gates credit for making budget cuts in programs that we cannot afford with the present financial situation. Does the president need a new helicopter? No, the one he has is just fine, just keep up the maintenance. Billions for attack jets? Looks to me like Afghanistan is going to be a ground war. Let's take care of the boys and girls on the ground and leave the fancy flying machines for another day.


Finally someone at the Pentagon is showing the courage to tell the industrial complex enough is enough. Too much money has been wasted on projects that never are completed for the original bid. Its time the Defense department gets tough and holds industry to their word. If they cannot honor their bid, then they need to return the money and let someone who can get the job done.


I hope that other departments follw Defense's lead and start making the necessary cuts to help out our country in this time of need.


With interagency cooperation America just might be back on its feet in a couple of years.

Its Common Sense.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Line Item Veto

I just sent the following letter to my two senators, along with Senator John McCain. Please feel free to use all of any part when contacting your own representatives. We have to control how our tax money is being spent. The line item veto is one way of control.

Its Common Sense!


Dear Senator
In watching the news during the past two weeks, it is evident that our country is in trouble and that responsible spending is going to be necessary to get the country's economy back on track.
One way I feel that the President and Congress can show the American people that the debt they creating is responsible, is by passing the line item veto.
President Obama has made it very clear that he is against entitlements (pork) and with the Democrats controlling both the legislative and executive branches of the government, I feel this is an excellent time to show that the people's money is going to be use responsibility and not for special interests.
The line item veto is one area where you should be able to get bi-partisan support. We all know that Senator John McCain is a great proponent of this measure and if he co-sponsors the bill with the senators of Maryland there is a high probability of success.
We day we listen to the staggering amounts, perhaps $4 trillion just in interest to pay, that we the people need to know our money is being spent wisely and appropriately.
Thus far the score card on Congressional oversight is not good. Congress gave $350 billion to banks that only seem to be using their money for their own purposes, not the American public. Where are the Congressional controls?
We the people need to know that the President and Congress are serious about controlling the debt that is placing on this country for the next four generations.
The line item veto let's us know that bills can be passed without "pork" being forced on.
With a debt in the trillions, the days of Congressional free spending needs to end. Every dollar needs to be account for.
Push the passage of the line item veto and show America that you truly care.
Thank you.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Obama's Budget

Word has leaked out about some of the items that will be included in President Obama's budget that will help cut the deficit in half by the time his term ends. Now, there is no doubt that the Bush Administration and Congress left a huge deficit/debt, but I think Obama is suffering from wishful thinking if he thinks he can actually reduce the deficit in half in four years.

One thing is to reduce the spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is that really going to happen? Hopefully the majority of our troops will be out of Iraq by 2011, but how much financial support will the USA continue to provide to the Iraq government?

Afghanistan will be receiving new troops shortly. New troops means more equipment, infrastructure and more cooperation with the Afghanistan government and military. In addition, if there is going to any real success against Al Quada and the Taliban, the USA and NATO are going to need to invest heavily in Afghanistan's education system, economic situation, and the creation of jobs that are non-poppy related and can offer competitive salaries.

These things will cost money. If the USA skimps, we will pay the price in more blood and bodies over the long haul.

Obama plans to let the tax cuts for the rich - those earning over $250,000.00 a year - run its course and expire in 2010. I can see the Republicans staying quiet and not asking for a renewal of the tax break.

With all the money that has been borrowed for the stimulus, the government's concentration should be on getting American business in the + column again, and then begin the work of taxing the public and industry fairly to bring in the revenue to pay off the debt.

As for controlling the deficit, Congress and the President have to start working off a balanced budget. No more out of control spending, taking loans from anyone willing to give us a handout. Our status in the world is going down because our leaders are perceived as money hungry bureaucrats.

A balance budget means that all of us need to start making sacrifices and live within in our means. At the same time we have to stay safe and strong. Hard to do but possible.

Its Common Sense!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Priorities for the Obama Administration

Well two more of Obama's nominees bit the dust because of tax issues. I still believe Gethner should have bowed out, but what's done is done. The important thing is that the President has got to take control of the stimulus package and show how it is going to jump start the economy. Let's face it, Pelosi and company in the House filled it with pork, pork that does nothing for the overall economy. Now the Senate is trying to make adjustments, to make it more presentable. But the problem is it is really too little too late.

First, the big push should be for infrastructure projects that can generate employment and spending nation wide. These little tax breaks are okay but they are chump change. Tax breaks for first time home buyers and buyers of new cars are not going to put a lot of money in the system. After all, who can get a loan to buy a house or new car?

Unfortunately, both houses of Congress are being over protective of the money and not placing it where it can do the most good.

Obama is going to put limits on officer pay in banks or corporations who receive bailout money starting now. Big deal. What he should be doing is offering incentives to get their banks/companies viable again and competing in the world market.

Let's get building roads, bridges and tunnels that lead somewhere and are used by large numbers of the public. Let's hold the firms that get the contracts accountable and make them earn their money.

I, like many others, am still waiting to see the "change" Obama promised to bring to Washington.
So far it appears to be business as usual.

Let's put pressure on our representatives and the President to live up to their promises. We did our part by getting them into office, now its their turn to deliver.

Its Common Sense!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Letter to Congress regarding Stimulus 2

In talking with a co-worker this week they mentioned they did not understand why people were talking about raising taxes or asking for loans from foreign countries, when in all probablity the money could be found in the current budget, give the government was held accountable for their spending.

Believe there is some validity to that and decided to ask my representatives just what was being done within government to control wastful spending. I also sent a copy of the letter to Change.gov, a website Obama's transition team is using for ideas.
As always feel free to us all or any of this letter in contacting your representaives.
They work for us, they need to give us answers.
Its Common Sense!

On Tuesday President Obama begins his new administration and we all know that his top priority is getting the economy back on track. He proposes a stimulation package that has a price tag somewhere between $800 billion and $1 trillion. We have heard a lot of deficit verses surplus, but there has not been a lot of talk regarding the overall American debt if this stimulus passes. Will we owe creditors $10 or $11 trillion dollars? What are the payback terms? What are the interest rates? What is the burden for my great grandchildren?

To pass the stimulus the USA will have to once again borrow from foreign nations, notably China, who I think we are becoming too dependent upon. In addition, we are going to have to start talking about raising taxes, not lowering them.Before either step is taken, if the President and Congress are serious about fiscal responsibility and everyone doing their part, then I think the first place we should look for the funding is within the Federal Government itself.

We all know about the wasteful spending that goes on in government. Agencies giving large amounts of overtime to employees who are no rated based on production and accuracy and who are pretty much free to do what they want. If employees are held to task, most of these overtime dollars would not be needed.

Everyone knows that the Defense Department abuses its budget no end. All of these contracts where the contractors never produced the final product with the money they bid. Instead they always are over budget. I believe now is the time to hold all contractors working for the government to live up to their contracts. If they cannot perform the task at the price they quoted, then the problem is theirs, not the American taxpayer.

Honest bids for honest work. No more coming back and expecting additional money because they erred when making their bid. These are professionals who know what they are doing, its time to stop them from milking the national purse.

Congress itself needs to look at the money being spent there. Are all these foreign junkets really necessary? Congress needs to lead the way in tightening the belt.Does Congress's health care plan cost the same as that offered to Federal employees? If it costs more and has better coverage, then it should be given to all Federal workers, or, better yet, Congress should be covered like the rest of Federal employees - more savings.

Before our country goes hat in hand, let's trim government spending and see just how much money is available with a fiscally responsible government. Let's hold all departments responsible for what they spend and let them justify how their money is used.Legitimate needs stay covered, frills go out the door.

Do not vote to raise (beg) additional money until you know how much the government can provide itself by spending responsibly.

The initial stimulus package that Congress told us would do so much, has thus far produced no positive results and has only raised more doubts and questions.

Before you allow Congress to commit to an even greater burden on the people, make sure you have done everything to use the funds already available before reaching out for more.

Thank you,Michael Wolfe

Monday, January 12, 2009

Obama's Train Ride

On January 17 President-elect Obama and his family will address an event in Philadelphia. They will then board a train, proceed to Wilmington, Delaware and pick up the Biden entourage, then proceed to Baltimore for another event and finally reach Washington DC.

According to the press release, Obama is taking the trip for all those who cannot attend the Inauguration. Trust me, anyone between Philly and DC who want to be there will figure out a way to be present.

Obama wants to remember Lincoln's journey to DC. He would do well to remember that a mob almost took out Lincoln in Baltimore.

Regardless if it is a positive symbolic gesture or not, the truth of the matter is that it is one more expense the American tax payer does not need to carry. How much will security cost for this train ride? What inconveniences will those along the route have to suffer?

Why not leave well enough alone? Obama is in DC, he should stay and get ready for the battles to come. There is no need to tempt some loony by riding on a train that passes chemical plants.

What is he thinking? His security people surely pointed out the risks. His economic people should have pointed out the cost.

Barack Obama campaigned to bring change. As we get closer to his Inauguration it looks more and more like the same old thing. An ego trip ignoring all of those around him.

American needs a leader. Due to our current situation, Obama is going to need to start off running and deliver big and for the long time if he is going to be successful.

He does not know it all, he needs his advisers and he needs to listen to the people. The last thing we need is some who sees himself as a demi-god.

Americans are tolerant, but only up to a point.

This time promises were made that the people actually expect the President to keep. If he fails, his days will be numbered.

Its Common Sense!