![Obama proposes new "Cash for Caulkers" program](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/82/a0/82a05321061e4be9fef51d63bfbd8ccb.JPG "Obama proposes new "Cash for Caulkers" program")
President Obama proposed a new program Tuesday that would provide rebates for homeowner who weatherize their homes and purchase energy efficient appliances. Dubbed “cash for caulkers” after the controversial “cash for clunkers” program, the proposal is part of a much larger spending bill, aimed at stimulating the economy, spurring job growth and reducing pollution.
According to President Obama, energy efficiency “creates jobs, saves money for families, and reduces the pollution that threatens our environment. With additional resources, in areas like advanced manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, we can help turn good ideas into good private-sector jobs."
Although saving money on energy bills, creating jobs, and protecting the environment, sounds appealing, some are skeptical this program will work.
With a record number of homeowners now facing foreclosure, critics believe that the president’s priority should be helping Americans keep their homes, not weatherize them.
“This will not be something that's attractive to people who are having trouble already making their budget payments month to month or week to week," said David Kreutzer, an energy analyst at the Heritage Foundation.
The Obama administration is encouraging homeowners to make energy efficient renovations, such as caulking around windows, upgrading insulation, and installing energy efficient appliances. Homeowners would be reimbursed 50% of their expenses, up to $12,000.
According to Steve Nadel, director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, homeowners who follow the program’s guidelines, could expect their energy bills to drop as much as 20%.
Here is your chance to weigh in. Please leave a comment expressing how you feel about President Obama’s “cash for caulkers” program.
Comments
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I think this would be great for the builders and contractors who need work!!
Love the photo of your caulk!!!
This program will help with jobs in America, and with our energy consumption. However, it will bring out disreputable people posing to be installers. It needs to be incorporated with a requirement that the installer is licensed or certified to install windows with a standard, such as ASTM E2112.
We have taxpayers money for CEOs, BIG business, poor people who have lost their jobs, food stamps, welfare, and free medical help, BUT nothing for the average Joe who works and supports all the above and never qualifies for anything no matter how much money it costs them to live. How about a break for us.
How about just shipping every homeowener a free tube of caulk and calling it a success?
Ralph,
Great idea, but the way our government works, it would probably cost taxpayers $375,000 per can of caulk.
Ben,
Great point. In general homeowners need to do some research before hiring a contractor or handyman. I'll be providing some resources for homeowners in future articles.
Jose says:
Love the photo of your caulk!!!
December 10, 11:04 PM
Jose, I was worried about posting a photo of my caulk for the whole world to see. Glad you enjoyed it.
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