Longview Weather
79°F
Severe
Full Forecaste

Past Month's Most Commented Stories

Home > Area News

Baird says use stimulus rebate check on 'green' appliances

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 6:20 AM PDT

By Stephanie Mathieu
smathieu@tdn.com

Font Size:
 
 

He opposed the $168 billion economic stimulus plan Congress passed last month, but Congressman Brian Baird encouraged citizens to go green with tax rebates they'll get under the program.

Taxpayers should use the rebate checks to buy energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, the Southwest Washington Democrat said in a brief address to the Longview Early Edition Rotary Tuesday morning.

Scientists have linked energy production to rising global temperatures. But greenhouse gases associated with climate change also are making the ocean more acidic and harming marine species such as shellfish, Baird said.

"It's basically chemistry that the ocean is getting more acidic," Baird said.

The rebate checks, estimated at $600 per individual with an addition $300 per child, are being mailed out through July.

Baird voted against the stimulus plan. He said the federal government already is borrowing to finance deficit spending and will rack up more debt with nations such as China to finance the rebate program.

"It's not free," Baird said of the plan, which aims to boost consumer spending.

Baird also praised a new "bi­- partisan" federal healthcare plan making its way through both houses.

The "Healthy Americans Act" would provide universal, private health insurance plans to all Americans on par with those used by members of Congress, he said.

Instead of a business choosing a selection of plans for employees, individuals could purchase any healthcare coverage plan on the market, said Baird, who is a cosponsor of the measure. Instead of providing healthcare to employees, businesses would simply pay them more so workers could buy their own health insurance coverage.

Businesses would pay the government a surcharge for the new plan based on its number of employees.

"Employers are already paying through the nose, but some aren't," Baird said.

The plan would cover 99 percent of Americas and reduce U.S. health care spending by $1.5 trillion over through 2016, for a 4.5 percent savings, according to the Lewis Group, a Virginia-based consulting group that specializes in health care reform proposals. It was sponsored in the Senate by Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden.

Although the measure has bipartisan support, the bill nevertheless is distasteful to many conservatives, who don't like government involvment in medical insurance. As a September article in The New Republic stated, "it may not be government-run insurance, but it's still more government -- a lot more, as a matter of fact."

Rotary members questioned why Baird, who initially opposed the invasion of Iraq, continues to oppose a troop withdrawal.

"It seems to me we're going to have to say 'Uncle' at some point," said Cowlitz County Commissioner Axel Swanson, a Democrat. "How long do we wait?"

Baird said the Iraq problem is complicated, but estimated troop withdrawal could happen after a couple years, not 10 or 20 years like some politicians are saying.

"It's terribly dicey," Baird said. "There's no easy solution."

Previous Next

h8t2think wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:17 AM:

" I will use every bit on products made here IN THE USA! AND GREEN VALUE TOO!I believe all this money should be spent on U.S. products,similar to food stamps. "

That wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:47 AM:

" will go into the gas tank. I think this will be the case for a lot of folks out there. Not real "green" but very "real life". "

stink wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:00 AM:

" I'm already planning on a trip to Canada and this $600 will spend nicely in BC "

Our Plans.... wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:20 AM:

" Are you kidding me? We're going to Canada for a few days. Gonna stick it to the man. : ) "

BA wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Just pay down on your highest intrest rate debt. You'll enjoy the savings longer. "

buy local food wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:16 AM:

" I am buying a CSA membership and half a cow - a healthy, local, grass-fed cow. Keep those dollars as close to home as possible, "

Come on folks wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:26 AM:

" Pleeeaaase spend your rebate checks on things made in the USA!! That's what this is all about! Drop your cynicism and do the right thing!! "

Redneck wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:17 AM:

" This money is going towards big 'ol mud tires for my gas guzzlin' git 'er done truck and a new BBQ. All you greenies can go chew on some alfalfa while I BBQ up a nice elk steak on my new grill. Have a great time spending your money any way you would like!!! "

Dan wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:21 AM:

" I don't think green appliances look good. I prefer white or stainless steal. "

go green wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:42 AM:

" this guy must really like Light Avacado or maybe he means the new energy efficient appliances?HmmmM? I think I'd like to save energy,claim it on my taxes next year,pay less.YEAH!Go GREEN! "

change wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:48 AM:

" yes we can,making the green products also needs to be done in highly efficent manufacturing,a 100 mile per gallon car made with the same energy that it saves is just a stalemate.Change your thinking and the people counting the P's and Q's. It's not too late,YOU DO IT AND ME TOO! "

me wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:21 PM:

" My money will be going straight in the bank. I understand they want us to spend it to help the economy, but I already spend enough. I think everyone increasing their level of savings would also help the country. My goal is to have $10k in the bank at all times, for emergencies. "

Ya hooo! wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:24 PM:

" China! I'm going to Walmart and buy me some of that there China made stuff. "

Campaign donation wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:46 PM:

" So the Congressman from Washington votes against this tax rebate and then he has the nerve to tell me how to spend my money? I think I'll donate it to the campaign fund of the next person who runs against him. "

Re Campaign donation wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:04 PM:

" Just goes to show why they should change the name of his party to the Hypocrats. Anyone who criticized the president for this or criticize the president for the budget deficit should honor thier criticism by returning this to the government with orders to apply it toward the budget deficit. I'll bet none of the Hypocrats will have the constitution to do that. They are all weak-kneed complainers who support the racist, hate-mongers in their ranks. Even Baird has shown his support for the man who has been shaped by a racist, hate-mongering minister who thinks like a radical muslim. Come on Baird, if you can tell me how to spend my money, why can't you show me some backbone and tell us how wrong Obama is to attend that church, pay money to that church. At least Clinton was right on that one. "

give it back wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:30 PM:

" I say go to Lucky Eagle and give the money back to the people that we took this country from , THE INDIANS "

Gakman wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:32 PM:

" I was gonna buy something worthwhile made right here in the Good "Ol USA...But I couldn't find anything worthwhile. Oh well, guess I'm just gonna buy $600 worth of beer, and when my liver shuts down from alcohol poisoning, I'm gonna check in at the emergency room. I'm indigent (of course) so the tab for the hospital should hit right around 60k. After that round of taxpayer support, I'm gonna check into the nicest rehab in town for an extended stay (all on the public dime, of course). Man o Man, look at all the good that that $600 incentive is gonna do. I can wait. Well, I best be going now, I've got some recycling (tele wire stripping) to do. Tootles. "

Gakman wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:35 PM:

" On second thought, I think I'll do as Rep. Baird suggested....buy something green. Maybe about 2 ounces worth. "

Diesel wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Best to put it in the bank cuz it counts against next years tax refunds. Don't believe me .. ask a tax preparer and you'll find out the truth. "

Sorry Diesel wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:08 PM:

" This rebate has nothing to do with this years or next years taxes, no matter who told you what.
Go to www.irs.gov
It explains everything there. "

Concerned wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:25 PM:

" My concern with any suggestion to go out and buy new energy efficient or "green" appliances is what happens to all of the old ones? Do they just end up in the landfills? Or sold to someone else who can't afford a new one? How much energy and other resources go into making new appliances? There's the same issue with buying hybrid cars. What happens to the old cars? What are the true costs of making the new ones? It's often better for the environment to keep the old and just use items wisely. I'll stick with my old appliances until they die, and my 17-year-old car with under 115,000 miles (still getting 35 mpg). "

RE: Diesel wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:46 PM:

" The only worry you have, Diesel, is if the Liberal Democrats get in the White House. The only way they can pay for their massive spending and welfare programs is to raise the taxes. Within 6 months after taking office is 1992, the male half of Billary pushed through a Democratic controlled Congress the biggest tax increase ever handed out to the American taxpayers. Either of the two Liberal Democrats running for the White House will do the same thing only bigger this time. You can't do the line of B.S. they are selling the Democrats on without a tax increase. Just watch. Read my lips -- either candidate will propose the biggest tax increase in the history within the first 120 in office in 2009. "

to Re:diesel wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:20 PM:

" Is it better for our country to be 3 TRILLION dollars in debt to countries like China to finance the Bush War? The national debt was paid down before King George took office. Regardless of who's elected next, our children and grandchildren will be paying for Bush's great lies. If I have to pay the inevitable money somewhere, I'd rather do so to help out people here at home, rather than kill people elsewhere. "

pray wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:43 PM:

" I'm gonna spend it all on bibles. "

RE: Ya Hooo wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:27 PM:

" You get that thar Chinaees stuff. I an buyin me some of that Japanees stuff. Them people way over in DC sure nice givin us thar that money. "

Kelso Resident wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:39 PM:

" getting me a XBox 360 "

Heartless wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:53 AM:

" The movement of money is all that matters. Spend it where you want. The only thing that will not help the economy is saving it. "

RE: to RE: diesel wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:50 AM:

" I put not ceiling on the cost of making the people in that region of the world realize that America will no longer be a counter-puncher. In other words, I am happy that we are no longer waiting for an attack to happen to reprise with a weak-kneed reaction. That love-sick puppy Billy Clinton proved that policy doesn't work. You can complain about the cost all you want. I don't know you equate that money to the lose of the 3,000 people in the Trade Center and Pentagon buildings. I never want to see that again. And I think the course we took goes along way to making sure it doesn't happen. Any change from that course will once again make America a target for attacks. Now don't say that our action has added to that. That threat was already there and acted upon. That makes following the old policy pointless. A new road had to be created and President Bush did that. Complain about the cost but we don't have a choice. "

to re:diesel etc wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:49 AM:

" I cannot believe there are people who still think Iraq had anything to do with 9/11. Even the Bush administration came out and admitted this months ago; didn't they cover that on Fox Noise? Your argument might have merit if Bin Laden (remember him?) was still being actively pursued. I guess all them brown skinned A-rabs look alike to your ilk. What would Jesus do indeed. "

Didn't say a tie wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:36 AM:

" I never said there was a tie between 911 and Iraq. What I said was I want us to be proactive not reactive. By putting our military in Iraq we sent a major message that we no longer are going to react. We are going to initiate. You may not like that message, but I do. Syria has backed down. Iran knows it must leave Israel alone. You can cry all you want, but positives have come. And finally the Iraq government is strong enough to tell the militia's to back down. It will be interesting to see what happens if they don't, but positives are happening whether you like it or not. Is it costly, yes it is. I happen to think we are safer because of it. You can disagree as all you chicken-heart Liberal Democrats will. I just wish you would pay attention to the anti-Jewish message your leading candidate has been taught. The radical Muslims are praying two times a day for his election. They know they are getting a pushover and Isreal and the West will have to pay for it. "

teehee wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:52 PM:

" This is amusing to say the least. :) I like the Canada idea however I have no passport and that is apparently required now. Hmmm...green appliances? Yeah...no. I mean, I am up for saving the earth but I do that by dropping off my recyclables, using the lights only when needed, etc. No...I am going to completely blow my $600 being prepared for the next emergecy. I pretty much lost everything in the December storms because I was unprepared (I was in Pacific county at the time). When the dookie hits the fan I will be ready next time. "

geeky wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:54 PM:

" What about Operation Northwoods? The 60s weren't that long ago people!! You don't think 9/11 could have been planned? Google it and then tell me how much you trust Uncle Sam. :) :) Have a nice day and get back on topic! "

Mickey Mouse wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:30 PM:

" I am going to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!! "

Jimmy Dickens wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:53 PM:

" We just bought a new High Efficency clothes washer. Not only are we using less water but the clothes dry much quicker due to 1200 RPM spin cycle. To top it off we got a $70.00 check from the PUD as well. These appliances really do make since. "

Top Jobs
More Top Jobs
Top Garage Sales
More Top Garage Sales
Top Rentals
More Top Rentals