I am not one to post or rant (at least on my blog) about poor government spending but this takes the cake.
Did you know that we (the taxpayers) are footing the $ 2.5 million dollar bill for a Super Bowl ad about the 2010 Census campaign?
Yes, $2.5 million for a 30-second blip about the census and that is only a drop in the bucket of the estimated $133 million advertising campaign. The paid advertising is part of a $340 million campaign to promote the once-a-decade count. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Census Bureau was provided $1 billion but he total cost of the 2010 Census is estimated to be around $15 BILLION.
This year even Pepsi determined it was economically unwise to pay $3 million for a 30-second spot but leave it to the federal government to take their spot.
Taxpayers are also footing the bill for a three-month road trip by Census Bureau employees traveling in 13 buses and cargo vans with trailers. The tour will include
While they are to busy to visit 14 out of 50 states, the made sure to schedule visits to a Gun and knife show in Texas, the International Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma, and the US Snowboarding Grand Prix. Not to mention taking in a few college basketball games including Missiouri Vs Kansas University, UNLV vs BYU and Iowa State vsKansas State.
At least the Emissions from the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will be offset by the Carbonfund.org.
In February 2009 President Obama said “We’re going to do something to strengthen the banking system," “You are not going to be able to give out these big bonuses until you pay taxpayers back. You can't get corporate jets. You can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime. There's got to be some accountability and some responsibility.” in reference to the big bail out.
Apparently it is perfectly fine to purchase 13 special vehicles, take a trip to Las Vegas and go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime when we are $12.3 TRILLION in debt and it is in the name of Census Education.
If the government can take possession of your house under the law of Eminent domain, why can't they just say, you are giving us a Super Bowl advertising slot.
OK I am jumping off my soap box now!!
2 comments:
I think it's only fair to acknowledge that a lot of people don't understand how important the census is, or what it means for them, their state budgets and the funds that do things like create jobs, build roads, etc.
Yes, the census is sending people to these places that everyone wants to be: because you have to go to a captive audience to explain why it's important for everyone to complete their census surveys.
The more people the government can get to complete their mail surveys, the less money the government will have to spend on door to door census taking.
So in this case the government is spending a dime to save a dollar. Sounds pretty frugal to me!
As a taxpayer, I applaud these efforts to make sure everyone is counted.
I agree. It's a waste of money. Reminds me of the Post Office when they use to sponsor Lance Armstrong's team. He races mostly in Europe.
Post a Comment