A little good news: progressive priorities that made it into the stimulus bill

From a memo just released by the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/01/the-progressive-priorities-that-made-it-into-the-stimulus.php

The highlights of the memo:

• Unemployment benefits (UI) extension. Cost = at least $12.7 billion

• Anti-hunger provisions

• SNAP - 20% temporary increase in maximum food stamp level above the FY2009 level for two years. Cost = approximately $24 billion and increase in funds for state food stamp administrative costs Cost= $250 million;

• WIC - increase funding to make up for shortfall not covered in the current Continuing Resolution. Cost = $450 million and increases for management information system and related infrastructure improvements. Cost = $50 million;

• School meals - provide a 15% increase in funding for breakfast and school lunch programs. Cost = $1 billion;

• Medicaid payments to states (FMAP). Cost = at least $15 billion

• LIHEAP assistance to provide low-income Americans relief from higher energy costs. Cost = at least $5 billion

• Job creation via down payment on rebuilding America's infrastructure and schools, starting with massive investment in commercialization of green technologies and related job training that promote environmental protection and energy independence. Cost = at least $100 billion

** In general:
• No funds for Iraq or Afghanistan wars and no funds for defense procurement.
• Prevailing wage to be paid for jobs created and upholding of Davis-Bacon Act

:sarcasm: :evilgrin:

Even most of the tax cuts are good. I'm glad Congress is finally getting out in front of this.
http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=165

infrastructure improvements (which creates jobs a la public works), I guess that this is the best we can do...for now.

If I'm understanding correctly, the president is proposing another stimulus by the end of the year. If so, I hope there will be more spending in that bill that will be targeted specifically to job creation and more aid to the states.