February 21, 2008
Dear Rep. Murphy: About those Rebate Checks...
Just received an e-mail from my House Representative, Chris Murphy, about those WONDERFUL rebate checks we're going to be getting later this year. From his message:
I know that all the newspapers and cable news shows are constantly filled with reports of the partisan bickering in Washington. But more often than you may think, Democrats and Republicans manage to get together to pass real, meaningful legislation that helps American families. Last year, we passed the biggest increase in federal student loan program since the G.I. Bill, the largest new investment in veterans health care since the VA was created, and the first increase in the minimum wage in a decade. And now, 2008 has started out with the swift, bipartisan passage of an economic stimulus bill designed to kick-start a slowing economy.
The centerpiece of the bill is tax rebate program by which 1.5 million Connecticut families will receive up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per married couple, plus $300 per child.
The law also provides rebates for low-income earners and seniors who may not pay income taxes, and disabled veterans.
We also included help for families who are facing foreclosures by increasing affordable refinancing opportunities and liquidity in the housing market.
And small business owners are granted investment incentives for plants and equipment to spur job creation.
Here's what I wrote back:
Regarding the "rebate" checks" designed to kick-start the economy: wouldn't it be a better idea to permanently cut government spending so that you can permanently cut taxes? That way, more money will be in the taxpayers' pockets ALL THE TIME, and we won't have to go through this charade every time Congress decides to make it look like they're doing something other than holding meaningless, publicity-laden hearings on things they have no business looking into like steroid use in baseball. (Amazing how it always seems to happen during a presidential election year.)
By the way, what happens if we spend our checks on products not made in the US? Not much of an economy booster if you ask me.
Our Founding Fathers would be appalled to see how out-of-control and self-serving our government has become. However, as they're just a bunch of dead white men, I expect their wisdom is just so much dust to be swept away.
I eagerly await your canned response written by a staffer.
UPDATE (5:00 PM): Below is my canned response, easily determined in that it did not respond to my explicit concern, but duly notes Murphy's disappointment that the bill didn't fork out as many freebies as he wanted it to! As RV points out in the comments, politicians like to play Santa Claus every once in a while (with OUR money) to keep themselves in office. Bread and circuses, doncha know.
The only thing surprising about this reply is that I received it the same day I sent my missive.
Dear Ms. Meister,
Thank you for contacting me about the economic stimulus package. I appreciate your correspondence and hope that you find this response helpful.
As you know, the stimulus package passed by Congress represents an effort to help jump- start our flagging economy and cushion the impact of the ballooning credit crisis. The final version of the package included targeted financial assistance for individuals, small business tax relief, and new resources to combat the subprime mortgage crisis. I was also heartened to see the additional inclusion of benefits for low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and their families. With these added benefits, twenty million low-income senior citizens and a quarter-million disabled veterans of our armed forces will receive much-needed assistance, helping provide some security for these most vulnerable of populations.
I was, however, disappointed that the final compromise proposal rejected the addition of increased assistance for unemployment, low-income heating, and Medicaid. Still, the package adheres to a minimally-increased spending level of $151.7 billion and remains targeted and temporary, so as to provide an important one-time influx of capital rather than a fiscally irresponsible long-term expansion of spending. This relief package is obviously just a small part of a much larger effort that we must make to combat a diverse array of economic challenges, from skyrocketing energy costs to the dollar's flagging value overseas. This measure is by no-means the be-all and end-all of the systematic reforms needed to restart the engines of American progress, and I can fully appreciate that, for many Americans, it will not begin to provide the kind of relief they truly need. We still have much work ahead to renew and reinvigorate the American dream.
Thank you again for contacting me about this matter. I appreciate hearing from you and assure you that I will always do my best to represent the views of my constituents in Congress. In the future, please do not hesitate to call at (202) 225-4476 or contact me through my website at www.chrismurphy.house.gov, where you can sign up to receive updates through MurphMail, my electronic newsletter.
Every Best Wish,
Christopher S. Murphy
Member of Congress
Show Comments »
A Rebate for those who don't pay taxes - who are these people in Washington? In order to quailfy for a rebate YOU HAVE TO PAY SOMETHING FIRST or it's called a gift!
Posted by: NewtownMark at February 21, 2008 01:51 PMCome on, Pam. Stop trying to insert logic into politics. How can politicians ensure their survival when they can't act like Santa Claus every once in a while?
(even though it IS with OUR money)
All one need to is witness Barack Obama's popularity. People love hearing about all the "free" goodies they're gonna get!
Posted by: Reverse_Vampyr at February 21, 2008 03:18 PM
