Local blogger “Nacilbupera” uncovered a proposed bailout by Senator Hatch for two small towns embroiled in the UTOPIA mess. Tremonton (pop 7000) and Perry (population 3000) stand to gain over a million dollars between the two of them. Tremonton is slated to receive $272,000 and tiny little Perry, a whopping $750,000.
The earmark is part of a GRANT which has not yet been voted on. From Nacil’s blog:
The specifics of the earmark are found on page 76 of Senate report 111-221 (pdf version), under the section “DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM LOANS AND GRANTS” where the “Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies” [Wow. Maybe we could acronym it the A.S.A.R.D.F.D.A.R.A.!!!] lead by Sen Kohl (D-WI) recommended its expenditure alongside a bunch of other pork from other states, many having Senate representation on the subcommittee.
Unfortunately this $1M bailout is only one bite of the porkulous hog Hatch has proposed for FY 2011. The website WashingtonWatch.com lists 13 pages of earmarks numbering in the hundreds Hatch has proposed. The website is interactive and one can sound off by voting for or against individual earmarks and leaving comments.
Senator Hatch’s office released a statement that confirms his new-found opposition to earmarks, saying in part “I have always said I have an obligation as your Senator to make sure our state, our communities and our people get back the hard-earned tax dollars we contribute to the federal treasury. That’s only fair and right, and is something I will not stop fighting for. Ultimately, Utah taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for other states.” Apparently, however, it’s OK for other states to pay for Utah’s pork…. According to Washington Watch, the earmark requests remain in effect.
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