Stimulus bill not stimulating

I live in a state, Illinois, that supposedly is getting more than its share of money from the federal stimulus bill.

Needless to say, the only jackhammers I see are on Interstate 294--and that project began last year, I think.

The New York Times went looking for stimulus projects, and its hands came up empty.

Nearly three months after President Obama approved a $787 billion economic stimulus package, intended to create or save jobs, the federal government has paid out less than 6 percent of the money, largely in the form of social service payments to states.

Although administration officials say the program is right on schedule, they have actually spent relatively little so far.

The stimulus bill has directly injected around $45.6 billion into the economy, mostly to help states cover the costs of Medicaid and unemployment benefits, one-time $250 checks that were mailed to Social Security recipients last week, and income tax cuts that began to take effect this spring.

Although states around the country are beginning roadwork projects, the Department of Transportation had spent only about $11 million on highway projects through the first week of May.

Remember the big rush to get the bill enacted? Our financial situation was so dire--and we needed the cash infusion right away.

Next time, legislators, read the bill.

Related post:

Illinois: Land of the Stimulus

Technorati tags: Illinois Democrats chicago government politics Barack Obama Obama economy