I think very few people ever make the connection between federal grant programs and the source of that money. It's not the governement - they don't have any money of their own. It's pass-through money that they collect from us. We likely are helping someone in a totally different State on a project that we're not that thrilled about - if the truth be told.
I read about a $24 million grant as part of the Recovery Act Investments Stimulus Package to install broadband internet service to 8 counties in the Panhandle area of Florida.
First of all. $24 million is small potatoes by government spending standards - but it's a lot of money.
Second, while I think internet access is great, why are we literally giving it to people? Where is the local investment? Where are the utility companies? Public-private partnerships in these local areas?
I'm not singling out Florida, my home State. It's happening in other areas as well.
The sad part is that this is touted as a way to create or save jobs and to promote better health care. Where have we heard those words before?
The next time we get all excited about a federal grant, let's remember that it's taxpayer money being redirected from other parts of the country and consider if it could have been funded locally or through private enterprise.
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Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
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