Washington State Legislature Considers Porkulus Clone

Remember the original Federal stimulus, a/k/a "The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act"?  That didn't go very well.  It was supposed to:

• Create new jobs and save existing ones
• Spur economic activity and invest in long-term growth
• Foster unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency in government spending

Anyone see these goals met?  I sure haven't.  Last time I looked we still have high unemployment in the midst of a major recession. And that's my concern as our state legislature is considering a smaller version of the Federal Porkulus: 

Washington eyes $1B stimulus plan to aid construction

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A $1 billion stimulus plan that Washington lawmakers are now considering seeks to create construction jobs by funding a variety of infrastructure projects around the state, officials said Wednesday.

Democratic Rep. Hans Dunshee said there is a sense of urgency because of high unemployment in the construction industry. A plan he released Wednesday includes funding for projects in schools, state parks and environmental management.

 Sound familiar?  And probably equally doomed to failure.   Yes, it'll put a few dollars into the pockets of people who need to feed their families.  No argument.  But it won't "strengthen the economy", as one labor representative stated.  It's just a variation of unemployment, the extension of a familiar entitlement that will end when the contracts are complete. 

Taxes spent on government contracts are not "investment", it's corporate welfare.  Which, in theory, liberals oppose. 

I recommend that you contact your state representatives (you can find their contact information, or send an e-mail, here), and urge them to vote this down.  We can't afford our very own Porkulus.