Less than a month ago, the U.S. debt clock, which tracks the federal government's accumulated red ink, struck $13 trillion dollars. As I write this column, the clock has added another $100 billion. That doesn't even count our broken entitlement programs -- Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Needless to say, Congressman Walt Minnick is 100 percent correct when he says deficit spending does matter.
taxes
Afterschool program funds are available, but are they worth the cost?
June 09, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inIt’s funded by federal tax dollars to the tune of $1.16 billion this year alone, is authorized up to $2.5 billion under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, its effectiveness in improving kids’ academic performance is dubious, and no one outside the education establishment seems to know anything about it. It’s the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant program, and it’s funded by federal tax dollars funneled through the Idaho Department of Education. This year, $1.6 million dollars from the program went to eight Idaho school districts: Blackfoot, Coeur d’Alene, K
Immigration group says illegals in Idaho cost taxpayers $195 million
June 08, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inHow many illegal immigrants are there in Idaho and what is their cost to the Idaho taxpayer? Experts say determining how many illegal aliens are currently residing in the state is difficult. According to sources interviewed by the Idaho Freedom Foundation, those estimates range as low as 40,000 and as high as more than 100,000. And, according to the Federation of Americans for Immigration Reform (FAIR), the estimated cost to Idaho taxpayers, even if the number is as low as 40,000, is $195 million.
Budget expert says national debt is $74 trillion, not $13 trillion
May 25, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inLately, we've been hearing a lot about how the national debt is approaching the $13 trillion dollar mark. But one accountant who’s been studying the federal deficit and national debt for nearly 20 years says $13 trillion is just a fraction of our real national debt, which is closer to $74 trillion.
GBAD spends $50K on new convention center feasibility study
May 06, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inBased on the recommendation of a $50,000 study, Boise needs an additional 80,000 square feet of new convention space. The feasibility report was commissioned by the Greater Boise Auditorium District (GBAD) despite the slumping economy, which has put a damper on the hospitality industry. The GBAD is funded by a 4- percent tax on hotel rooms.
‘Smart growth’ - or just a growing bill for Idaho taxpayers?
April 22, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inSince 2004, urban renewal agencies (URAs) in two Idaho cities have paid more than $20,000 of taxpayers’ money to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), an international urban planning organization that espouses development of inner cities rather than in suburban or rural areas.
CEURA takes on additional million dollars' debt for TVCC project
April 16, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inThe taxpayers of Caldwell are on the line for another million dollars in the Treasure Valley Community College building project, in downtown Caldwell along Indian Creek. According to the Caldwell Guardian website, the Caldwell East Urban Renewal Agency (CEURA) has taken out a $1 million loan from Intermountain Community Bank to pay for furniture and furnishings in the TVCC building.
New lawnmowers for some, while Boise taxpayers foot the bill
April 09, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inA program to help 50 Boise residents trade in their gas-powered lawn powers for new electric models will cost taxpayers $4,850, even though there's little evidence to support the notion that the program will help the environment. This is Boise’s second year participating in an event called “Mow Down Pollution,” modeled after a Canadian environmental program by the same name.
Taxpayers spend thousands to increase retirement benefits for city, county employees
April 06, 2010 | posted by Jay Howell inIn the last decade, Idaho taxpayers have shelled out $283,000 to boost the monthly retirement benefits of at least 10 city and county government employees. According to records from the Public Employee Retirement System, taxpayers in Ketchum, Rathdrum, St. Anthony, Canyon County and Nez Perce County, paid to purchase "service time" for employees.
