As the second Stimulus Plan weaves through Congress, scrutiny is mounting regarding the specifics of the plan and which regions and industries will derive any benefit from the proposed $888 billion infusion.

Infrastructure Projects - Excellent Idea — if Executed Properly

While infrastructure projects are a cornerstone of this Stimulus Plan, careful monitoring of bidding processes, budgeting, and implementation of these large projects to ensure that the benefits are equitably spread to the communities and residents in the hardest hit regions.

The most cost effective way to allocate these contracts while ensuring that local residents are properly represented on the projects is to require that a minimum percentage (say 20%) of contracts/ sub-contracts are set aside for small businesses headquartered in the infrastructure city or county.  In addition, both union and non-union contractors should be required to employ at least 25% of local residents.  In addition to improving the stimulative effect, this strategy will reduce pollution and should also streamline the local approval process, since job creation and retention are the clear focus of municipalities.

Download Reduce Emissions article 12.2007

Download Long Beach Press-Telegram 2009 Infrastructure Op-Ed

Obama's Stimulus Package -Will the Democratic Bill Morph into a Bi-Partisan Bill?

Updates on the proposed Obama Stimulus Plan, and the list of financial institutions that have received federal infusions thus far are reflected below. 

http://royce.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=109713  Congressman Royce Comments

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/st_BANKMONEY_20081027.html  TARP Recipients

http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?ARTICLEID=30588   House Passes Package

http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?ARTICLEID=30584   Senate Tax Breaks

2009 – Continuing Economic Chaos?

Looking forward into 2009, the stock market and money markets have some real challenges.  Read what local economists Clyde Kendzierski and Bill Gross and JP Morgan have to say about 2009.

Download Clyde Kendzierski 2009 Economic Forecast

Download Bill Gross – Big Brother Investing (2) 

Download Nouriel Roubini (NYU Professor) 2009 Economic Forecast

Download JP Morgan on Money Fund Risks

Hopefully the Senate will refine the Stimulus Package to make it smaller and more effective.  A slower, more thorough evaluation process in the Senate should result in a better package for the U.S. economy, U.S. taxpayers, as well as the worldwide financial markets.