The Washington Post says businesses are getting nervous about impending tax increases.

The Washington Free Beacon reports money from the 2009 stimulus went to study erectile dysfunction.

According to The Hill, Politico and Roll Call, the bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank is moving forward.

The New York Times and The Washington Post looks at how the crisis in Greece is affecting the European and world economy.

On the opinion pages: The Wall Street Journal looks at underfunded private pension systems.

BA

It turns out that the contract was awarded to a small construction company called Suulataaq Inc., which was formed by Alaska Natives. Under a federal program, this company was eligible to be awarded the government contract without competitive bidding among other companies—which led to a negotiation process that resulted in a government contract of $10 million more than Suulutaaq’s hypothetical bid price, as calculated by Kiewit Corp. construction firm.

A former executive of Suulutaaq testified that Kiewit Corp.’s financial review of the contract informed him that his company would be making “obscene profits.” The project, originally price tagged at $64 million dollars, has now grown to more than $79 million and has beencalled the one of the most wasteful projects that received stimulus funds by Senators McCain and Coburn.

When speaking about how costly the program had become, Robert Brosamer, a Walnut Creek engineering contractor said, “That’s how those deals are, and they are obscene.” Competitive bidding was put in place by the government in order to save money and ensure that the taxpayers were getting the best price for their tax dollars. When the Army Corps of Engineers decides to throw that process out the window for “accelerated” construction, waste is bound to happen. The Napa Wine Train project has yet to be finished.BA

Politico reports House Republican freshmen may be waffling on their opposition to earmarks.

The Chicago Tribune looks at the number of Americans who have played an online debt reduction “game” and what it says about their willingness to change certain programs.

According to The Washington Post, the Treasury Department will announce today it plans to start issuing a new type of federal debt, reflecting the “government’s desire to avoid unexpected disruptions in its ability to borrow.”

Politico says 2012 is the year of the “wild” economy.

The Washington Free Beacon says money from the 2009 stimulus went to companies that ship jobs overseas.

On the opinion pages: Chuck Blahous and James Capretta say the 2010 health care bill will not cut the deficit while The Washington Post urges Congress to pass Postal Service reform.

BA

Politico looks at the House’s effort to replace some of the automatic spending cuts to take effect next January with other cuts.

The Daily Caller says federal stimulus dollars have been used to lobby state governments in favor of tax increases on certain products.

Politico notes another lawmaker is calling for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s regulators to be replaced.

The Associated Press reports Greece has secured the largest debt bailout deal in history. However, Fox News reports Europe’s debt problems are not over and continue to threaten the world economy.

Politico looks at efforts to trim the federal workforce.

BA

According to The Hill, the U.S. may reach its debt limit around November.

The Associated Press, The Hill and USA Today have more details on President Obama’s corporate tax reform plan.

The Hill and Roll Call report the House may scale back the transportation reauthorization bill.

The Wall Street Journal says the calculating the cost of the stimulus is much easier than determining how many jobs it created or saved.

CNN Money says Social Security’s finances have eroded in the last year.

The Associated Press reports the U.S. Postal Service will start making cuts in May.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the European Central Bank president believes there is no other option for European countries than to tackle their debt problems head on.

On the opinion pages: David Brooks says the U.S. is more like Europe than people think and Arthur Brooks argues it’s time to cut spending and reform entitlements.

BA

Politico reports that taxpayers are still owed more than $130 billion from the Wall Street bailout.

The Hill looks at Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s plan to cut spending. Voice of America has more. The Washington Times says Republicans are likely to oppose cutting defense spending.

Reuters says it’s unlikely President Obama’s tax policies will pass in an election year.

The New York Times says the Federal Reserve believes a full recovery of the U.S. economy is “years away.”

The New York Times’ Economix blog looks at who actually receives government assistance.

On the opinion pages: James Freeman says it’s clear the 2009 stimulus failed while Emily Miller looks at tax cheats who work for the federal government.

BA

As the Journal Star reports, the near-new curb ramps are slightly too steep — a difference that is barely noticeable for both walkers and wheelchair users, yet will cost $800,565 in federal and state funds to correct.

The city of Lincoln typically spends up to $500,000 annually on sidewalk repair. These mandated adjustments will put the city way over budget.

Lincoln city officials are agreeing to fund the alterations on 294 ramps. They’re worried of possible lawsuits and cut-offs in federal funding if they don’t. But that doesn’t mean they think this is the best use of their money in tight financial times.

Councilman Jon Camp calls the re-do an “absolute waste of money.”

Lincoln residents point out better ways for the money to be spent, “Some city street corners have no ramps at all, for example. And some city sidewalks have nasty patches and uneven sections that make navigation difficult for everyone.”

The wheelchair ramps might be too steep to comply with current standards. But the price of living up to ever-changing standards is much steeper.BA

According to National Journal, 51% of adults agree “government regulation of business usually does more harm than good.” Only 43% said “government regulation of business is necessary to protect the public interest.”

According to Quinnipiac, 77% of registered voters think the economy is in a recession. 20% do not.

According to ABC/Washington Post, only 2% of adults are “very” satisfied with how the political system in the U.S. is working. 18% are “mostly” satisfied; 38% are “mostly” unsatisfied; and 41% are “very” unsatisfied.

BA

The Associated Press says the debt supercommittee is struggling to fulfill its obligation to find $1.2 trillion in spending cuts before its mandated deadline. The New York Times reports some lawmakers are upset the supercommittee is working in secret.

According to The Associated Press, The Hill, Politico, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post the Senate will vote on President Obama’s jobs proposal this week. The Los Angeles Times says the President has challenged Republicans to present an alternative plan if they won’t support his.

The Associated Press fact checks White House claims about the jobs bill.

The Wall Street Journal previews a report to be released today from President Obama’s jobs council that calls for streamlining regulations to spur job growth.

USA Today says an increasing number of middle class Americans have no federal income tax obligations.

On the opinion pages: The Wall Street Journal criticizes the 2009 stimulus’ green jobs initiative; Charles Kadlec looks at how tax and trade policies will affect the economy; and The San Diego Union-Tribune examines cities’ budget problems.

BA

ABC News reports that President Obama believes Americans are not better off than they were four years ago. McClatchy reports the White House is planning a big push this fall to gain support for the President’s jobs package. Reuters and The Washington Times say the proposal is in trouble in Congress.

USA Today examines congressional efforts to reform the broken budget process.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) is pushing a $4 trillion deficit reduction plan. Politico has the details.

The Associated Press looks at a White House plan to allow debt collectors to call the cell phones of taxpayers who owe the U.S. government money.

The New York Times says lawmakers are likely to cut spending on foreign aid programs.

USA Today looks at the Senate Finance Committee’s efforts to investigate Medicare fraud.

The Wall Street Journal says the stock market fell Monday because of increasing worry about Europe’s debt problems.

According to The New York Times, European leaders want to see Greece take more action to cut its debt before releasing the next installment of aid to the country.

On the opinion page: John Cogan and John Taylor argue the 2009 stimulus did not work.

BA