Morning Cup: Stimulus Reaches Political (and Literal) Swamps
The raucous debate over how to spend stimulus funds continues in statehouses across our fair country.
Michigan, which faces a $1.2 billion shortfall for the fiscal year that ends in September, is debating the use of stimulus funds to balance the state budget. The Missouri House voted to reject a budget bill that would have spent $335 million in federal stimulus money. The rejection means the state may carry a $1 billion stimulus funds balance into 2010. And in South Carolina, lawmakers voted to force Gov. Mark Sanford – who has been vocal about his plans to reject portions of stimulus funding allotted for the state – to request some $350 million.
But while politicians debate away, thanks goodness businesses are here to help!
IBM said it will make $2 billion in financing available for technology companies to launch projects that are likely to get stimulus funding in the future, like health information and smart grid technology. And Dell has launched an Economic Stimulus Learning Center, it says to help educate the public sector about the legislation.
Project of the Day: $6 million to shore up the decrepit dike around Lake Okeechobee as part of an overall $96 million for Everglades restoration.
Officials have struggled to spend the nearly $800 billion stimulus package quickly and effectively.
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1 comments
Jennifer Schaus
May 4, 2009, 4:32 a.m.
If the goal of the ARRA/Stimulus Package is to “stimulate” the economy by helping businesses grow - and this will be achieved through the venue of fed/state/local contracts & grants, then businesses need to understand QUICKLY how to do business with the govt. The companies with the clear advantage are the GSA Sched holders/current contractors already in the mix. The GSA Sched certainly simplifies the acquisition process and will help expedite these purchases. As the economy seems to take a hit every day, the GSA Sched will put the money on the fast track to the contractors. For the newcomers to the B2G game, they can still benefit - if they view this vertical marketplace as a long term investment. For more info on how businesses can win stimulus dollars: http://www.PublicSpend.com/Blog Jennifer Schaus, Washington DC, Govt Contracts Consultant/GSA Scheduls http://www.JenniferSchaus.com
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