Public Notice Hot Topics
Not Left, Not Right, Just Concerned

MEDIA INFORMATION:
Victoria Coley
press@thepublicnotice.org | (571) 970-6490

Topics for Tuesday, September 27, 2011

In today’s issue:
- Groundhog Day in Washington: Senate Deal Reached To Avert Government Shutdown
- Did You Get Your Money’s Worth From Congress Last Week?
- Little Appetite Among American Voters For New Regulations

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Expert: Gretchen Hamel, Executive Director of Public Notice
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1.) Groundhog Day in Washington: Senate Deal Reached To Avert Government Shutdown

With the threat of a government shutdown, the Senate voted to fund the government for just four days into the new fiscal year, lasting until October 4. The measure is expected to pass the House later this week.

“Our nation will never be able to get our fiscal house in order if we continue to budget and spend day-to-day or week-to-week.  It’s time that Washington put this nation’s fiscal health and economy first and put politics to the side.,” said Gretchen Hamel.

 

2.) Did You Get Your Money’s Worth From Congress Last Week?

Congress is running out of time to pass the 12 annual appropriation bills that fund federal discretionary spending programs for the year. As the fiscal year comes to an end at the end of this week, Congress must pass these bills, or, yet another CR to keep the government running. Last week taxpayers spent roughly $107.8 million on Congress; in addition to the CR, The House voted to pass eight bills and resolutions that would cost more than $3.2 billion over five years. So, did you get your money’s worth?

 

3.) There Is Little Appetite Among American Voters For New Regulations

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency has said new greenhouse gas regulations would require 230,000 new government employees at an expense of $21 billion taxpayer dollars.

In a recent national poll on government regulations, an overwhelming majority of voters – 74% – believe that businesses and consumers are over-regulated. Voters are simply unaware that Congress is not taking a lead position with regard to regulation, as a majority (52%) says that Congress creates regulations. There is a strong desire for checks and balances in creating regulations, as 65% favor requiring regulations be approved by Congress and the President before they are enforced. See all poll results HERE.

 

Public Notice, an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit dedicated to providing facts and insight on the economy and how government policy affects Americans’ financial well being.

To schedule an interview with Gretchen Hamel, executive director of Public Notice, please call Victoria Coley at (571) 970-6490 or email at press@thepublicnotice.org.

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