Estimates vary on just how much each job "created or saved" by the $787 billion "stimulus" has cost. Lawmakers and the Obama administration have repeatedly said the stimulus -- approved almost exclusively by Democrats in Congress early this year -- was the most practical way to grow jobs and "get America back to work."
A 9.8 percent -- and rising -- nationwide unemployment rate certainly raises questions about that claim.
But now, even the administration has admitted the shocking cost to taxpayers of each stimulus-related job. When ABC News suggested that the jobs the administration claims have been "created or saved" by stimulus funds released so far meant each job must have cost $160,000, the White House quickly became indignant:
"Jared Bernstein, chief economist and senior economic advisor to the vice president, called that 'calculator abuse,' " ABC noted.
So, what does the administration think the true figure is?
Mr. Bernstein "said the cost per job was actually $92,000 -- but acknowledged that estimate is for the whole stimulus package as of the end of 2010."
What? The White House considers $160,000 per job a ridiculous claim, but it believes paying "only" $92,000 to produce every "stimulus" job is somehow a good thing? Either figure is an outrage against American taxpayers -- especially since the $787 billion from the taxpayers is primarily propping up government workers rather than helping private-sector workers "get back to work."
It is an open question just how much more of that sort of "stimulus" our nation can withstand.
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$92,000 is about $8000 per month or $50 per hour if we consider the time is one year. I believe it is longer, but for sake of discussion let's say one year. It takes a crew of five about four to six hours to pave a small driveway- which equates to $1000-1500 in stimulus money. You say but what about the cost of asphalt and equipment? Do you think the stimulus money only includes labor? It includes overhead which can be anything from materials to health insurance. Some political pundits only have tunnel vision.
And some agenda driven Kos spouters only see one side, the "tingle up my leg" side, the "hope and change" side, the present government "knows all" side.
Latest stats on unemployment in for October: 10.2%. And if adjusted to include those not on the (again) extended unemployment 'benefits' and those who have given up looking?
More like 22.2% and rising.
Wow, I'm gonna sit here and argue costs of asphalt and equipment when our country has no money anyway. Uh huh, and when our roads are pristine and purty? Well, hand me another candle dear and pass the Top Ramen.