Today I actually visited a place benefiting from government stimulus money. In the lobby of the building was a large poster mounted on foamboard and set on an easel. It proclaimed that the location was a recipient of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and detailed all sorts of remodelling plans, right down to replacing lightbulbs with new "energy efficient" ones.
When I saw the poster I was pretty surprised. I go to this building often on business and have been through multiple floors. Overall, at least to outward appearances, the building is in fine shape and well-maintained. I've never had a problem with the elevators, haven't seen any damage, and never noticed so much as a blown out lightbulb. Yet for some reason this place is getting federal stimulus money.
If you haven't guessed yet, the building happens to be a Federal Building. That's right, it's part of the U.S. federal government. Our government is taking taxpayer money, supposedly intended to stimulate the economy, and using it to remodel one of its own buildings -- and one that doesn't even appear to need any work done. Not only are they doing it, they are so proud of the effort that they put up a display poster announcing it. You can't miss the sign after you pass through security.
I'm assuming they are doing as the Fed always does and will be using private sector contractors to do the remodel work.
ReplyDeleteI hope so. Work hasn't begun yet.
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