Infrastructure, job creation and other investments in President Obama's budget

[ProSense]

First, this from Robert Kuttner:

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President Obama has the right idea when he calls for major investment in 21st Century infrastructure. But he sends a mixed message when he also calls for a freeze on other domestic spending and cuts in public employment, undercutting the theme of the necessity of government during an economic emergency. The Republicans, meanwhile, are divided between fiscal conservatives who would slash public outlay and tea-party militants who would gut it even further.

The Republican triumph of November 2010 could be short lived. The public is starting to notice just how divided the party is, how destructive and unhelpful is its economic program, and how easily its already far-right "mainstream" increasingly gives into the GOP's lunatic fringe.

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President Obama spoke brave words about a high speed rail system within the reach of 80 percent of Americans within 25 years. This would be an achievement comparable to the great public works of the New Deal. It would revive major industries and supply chains, jump start transportation engineering, increase the efficiency of our economy, and create millions of jobs. But first, we need a politics to support it. That will take more than rhetoric -- it will take real leadership.

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Barack Obama could yet prove to be an inspirational leader. The Republicans are setting the table for a real Democratic resurgence. But this will require a far more assertive leader, painting a picture of a very different economy -- a leader not meeting Republicans halfway, but greeting their insane vision of America with the jaunty scorn that it invites.

Well, the President is off to a great start: Under Obama proposal, $128 billion would fund transportation

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The request is a 53 percent increase over the $76.5 billion expected to be spent in fiscal 2010. Transportation traditionally has been funded with multi-year programs that allow planners to tackle projects with confidence that the money is guaranteed. The last authorization - a five-year, $285 billion package - expired in September 2009, and approval of a reauthorization proposal has been stalled in Congress.

On Monday, the president proposed that $128 billion be the first expenditure in a new six-year, $556 billion plan.

The administration wants to invest $8 billion in the coming year, and $53 billion over the following six, to develop high-speed and intercity rail service. The long-term plan would provide $30 billion for a National Infrastructure Bank, a creation intended to move decisions about transportation projects outside the sphere of political influence.

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President Obama’s FY 2012 Budget: An Analysis of the Public Investments

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Education: An 11% increase in education, investing in 100,000 new science, technology, engineering, and math teachers, and a $1.4 billion new investment in early childhood education. Pell Grant funding is increased by over 20%, although eligibility criteria will actually be narrowed to prevent a larger increase spurred by growing demand for higher education and rising tuition costs.

Transportation: A 60% increase in transportation infrastructure investments over six years, focusing on rebuilding and maintaining the current system and building out the transit and rail infrastructure (ensuring that 80% of Americans have convenient access to a passenger rail system within 25 years). This includes an immediate $50 billion investment as a down payment on this stronger commitment to transportation, and $30 billion for a National Infrastructure Bank.

Energy: A 12% increase, including a doubling of energy efficiency research, development, and deployment, increasing renewable energy investments by over 70% and continuing the vital investments in the national electricity grid.

Science and innovation: Doubles basic research at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, while maintaining funding for the National Institute of Health. The budget would also invest $15 billion in the national broadband network to boost speed and increase access.

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[vaberella]

1. I find this great news. However another article on DU says O is a mediocre president and tentative.

Seriously though...people just want to paint this President in a bad light no matter what.

[ProSense]

2. No other comments? n/t

[impik]

3. Honestly, ProSense

You're more or less the only reason i still visit this sad place. Your work here is just admirable.

[Badfish]

4. Agreed.

I understand debate , in fact I came here for it.

But to allow straight up lies and slander seems a much.

[hfojvt]

5. well you have the option don't you

of trying to answer lies with truth

[Badfish]

6. LOL

A person that lies doesn't care about the truth.

Might as well call up Glen Beck and inform him of the truth.

For example: Some claim we are in a depression , I explain that a RECESSION requires 2 consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth , and nobody with a brain cell would claim we are in a depression when we have positive GDP growth and job growth for months on end.

The truth gets lost , they INSIST we are in a depression.

[hfojvt]

7. that doesn't sound like a lie to me

that sounds like somebody who does not buy the "offical" definitions. Maybe they are looking at six months with U-6 above 15% and think that is pretty depressing no matter what the official definition says or what the GDP does or insufficient job growth.

This http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=439&topic_id=286415#287397 is fairly depressing.

[ZombieHorde]

8. r