Some say "Take this Microsoft! Photo/mediabistro.com
Does Microsoft deserve to get $11M in stimulus money?
The SeattlePI.com recently reported that Microsoft will be receiving $11M in federal stimulus money for a bridge to connect their 2 Redmond campuses. Those for the bridge claim that it will ease congestion in the Overlake area of Redmond.
Microsoft bridge going ahead as planned
The city had requested stimulus money after the cost of construction went up from $25M to $36M. The city has been successful in it's request and we can expect the construction to start on June 1st and be completed end of next year.
Opposition against the Microsoft bridge
The total estimated cost of the bridge is $36M and although the federal government is covering $11M of stimulus money toward it, people are upset. Steve Ellis, representing a group called Taxpayers for Common Sense whose mandate is to put an end to excessive government spending, says :
Lets face it. Microsoft is one of the most lucrative companies in the country. They could have easily funded this out of pocket change. This is really about getting while the getting is good.
IMHO I think that although this bridge may ease congestion for Microsoft employees and others using it, there are so many other causes that need more attention. How about putting the stimulus money towards deserving causes such as keeping public schools open or towards any one of Seattle's pressingenvironmental issues...?
Comments
You hit the nail on the head! They should NOT get stimulus money!!!
1.) Microsoft is not getting money
2.) Microsoft is PAYING $17.5 Million
3.) Jobs are being created
I'm not saying that there aren't other, possibly better uses for the $, but the Stimulus money comes with VERY strict usage rules.
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