By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Homeowners could collect thousands of dollars in Cash for Caulkers rebates for renovating their homes with better insulation and energy-saving windows and doors under a new economic stimulus bill the House passed Thursday.
The Home Star bill, passed 246-161, would authorize $5.7 billion over two years for a program that supporters – mostly Democrats – said would have the added benefits of invigorating the slumping construction industry and making the earth a little cleaner.
“Home Star is that solid investment that’s going to achieve that hat trick of energy savings for the homeowner, of moving toward a cleaner environment and of creating jobs here at home,” said bill sponsor Peter Welch, D-Vt.