FROM THE TAXPAYER'S TAB: Most Expensive Bill of the Week

The Bill: S. 1723, Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011
Annualized Cost: $6.998 billion ($34.99 billion over five years)

(PAYING BACK THE UNIONS AND BUYING VOTES!)

The Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act would authorize grants to states to protect and create jobs. The grants would be used to pay salaries and benefits to keep teachers in the classroom and support staff on the job. In a press release, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) said his bill would "protect nearly 400,000 education jobs." Funds would be awarded based on the number of K-12 students and the total population in the state.

Local police and fire departments would also receive money to prevent layoffs and to create additional jobs. According to Senator Menendez, the provision would "save thousands of police and fire fighter jobs" with an infusion of almost $5 billion. Similar to the bill's education measure, public funds would be available for hiring, rehiring, and retention of first responders.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), S. 1723 would result in almost $35 billion in new spending over the next five years. Spending for teachers represents 85 percent -- or $30 billion -- of the bill's five-year cost. In order to pay for the new spending in S. 1723, a 0.5 percent surtax would be imposed on individuals making more than $1 million.

To learn more or discuss this bill visit WashingtonWatch.com.
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/112_SN_1723.html