Did you miss this week's issue of NTUF's Taxpayer's Tab? If so, here's a quick recap.
This week NTUF puts two bills head-to-head: S. 782, Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2011, sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) would reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for five years. H.R. 3090, EDA Elimination Act of 2011, sponsored by Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS), would eliminate the agency. The agency has not been authorized in law since September 30, 2008. It has continued to receive funds through the appropriations process, however.
Created in 1965, the agency's mission is "to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States." Supporters argue that the agency helps to create jobs and to create economic growth in economically challenged regions of the country. Critics argue that economic development should be funded by the private sector, not the federal government.
NTUF estimates that S. 782 would cost taxpayers $205 million a year ($1.024 billion over five years), while H.R. 3090 would save taxpayers $292 million.
Other Tab highlights include: This week's "Wildcard" bill is S. 1401, Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act of 2011. Sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the would create a committee compromised of government officials and private landowners that would seek to strengthen salmon populations. The estimated cost of S. 1401 is $91 million over five years, or $18 million a year.
"The Least Expensive Bill of the Week" is S. 1476, Federal Workforce Reduction and Reform Act of 2011. Introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), S. 1476 would reduce the number of government workers and contract employees by 15 percent over the next 10 years. The bill would also extend the current pay freeze for three more years and reduce travel budgets across the federal government, with the exception of the Department of Defense.
The "Most Friended Bill" this week is H.R. 2966/S. 1176, American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011. The bill seeks to prevent horses being slaughtered for human consumption. The act would increase spending for investigation and prevention efforts. Cosponsors include 58 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the House. In the Senate, 19 Democratic and five Republican Senators currently support S. 1176.
For more details, including NTUF's preliminary cost estimates for each of these bills, read the entire Taxpayer's Tab online.
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