The Questionable Idea and Title of Cash for Caulkers
Cash for Caulkers – What is it?
The government has announced a plan for a new program called Cash for Caulkers. The program means well: conserving energy and saving money for homeowners. The idea is that the government will reimburse homeowners to the tune of 50 percent of the cost of any projects that conserve energy around the home.
Like I said, it has good intentions. I have some doubts about this program, and it’s name is one of them. I won’t beat around the bush here: I am an Obama supporter. That doesn’t mean I agree with the White House on everything, and this is definitely something I don’t think of as a great idea. Don’t count on paying for home improvements with a short term personal loan, and getting a check from Uncle Sam in time to pay for it.
Invoking a laughingstock
Cash for Clunkers was an not a great program. Argue all you wish to, but it ran behind schedule and out of money in double time. Furthermore, it was the punchline to many jokes, angered a lot of people because they didnt get the rebates they were expecting when the expected them and it got axed long before the deadline.
First, the name Cash for Caulkers implies that this program awaits the same fate, and the Beavis and Butthead faction will likely have jokes as well. Additionally, the holes in the Cash for Caulkers regulations make it look likely.
Details on Cash for Caulkers
So far, there is no income limit for who can take advantage of Cash for Caulkers, only a $ 12,000 limit on reimbursement. People could do up to $ 24,000 in projects that improve energy efficiency and get up to half of it back.
Of course, the bill isnt finished and there will likely be a lot of changes made before its finalized, but thats the gist of it.
Too much too soon
The first thing that needs to be changed is the name. I likely wouldn’t have reacted so negatively if this proposed program had a different title. Furthermore, I think only people who cant afford to pay for the alterations themselves should be eligible in order to make the budget go farther.
Energy efficient homes can save their owners up to 20 percent per year on their power bills. People who can afford to get more energy efficient appliances and weatherize their houses have plenty of motivation to do it without government incentives.
Also, independent contractors will have to determine whether a project increases a homes energy efficiency. There’s plenty of potential for people to defraud the government, and it’s illegal though seemingly judicious. It’s tough to admit, but Cash for Caulkers looks to be more trouble, and cost more money, than it is worth. After all the money that’s been disbursed with little, if anything, to show for it, it might be a better idea to wait until the White House has some results to show for their effort before they try something like this.
Sam Bush
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