G.W. Bush could not appear to care any less about infrastructure spending

[Slimprofits]

But that is not going to stop Rep. Oberstar from moving full speed ahead with his own plans... For FY 2009, that includes some highway improvements, a slight boost from Amtrak and a few billion for airport infrastructure improvement/repairs:

Chairman Oberstar Applauds House Budget Resolution

Plan increases funding for transportation and infrastructure programs, rejects Administration’s cuts

Read Full Floor Statement Here (.pdf)

related:

Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials - Investment in the Rail Industry

[GRG55]

Re: G.W. Bush could not appear to care any less about infrastructure spending

But that is not going to stop Rep. Oberstar from moving full speed ahead with his own plans... For FY 2009, that includes some highway improvements, a slight boost from Amtrak and a few billion for airport infrastructure improvement/repairs:

Chairman Oberstar Applauds House Budget Resolution

Plan increases funding for transportation and infrastructure programs, rejects Administration’s cuts

Read Full Floor Statement Here (.pdf)

related:

Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials - Investment in the Rail Industry

Couldn't help but notice this on page 2 of Representative Oberstar's statement: "For Amtrak, the resolution rejects the $525 million cut...and instead increases funding to meet the costs of Amtrak's new labor agreement..."

Two things came to mind as I read this:

1. If all the money goes to meeting escalating labor costs (instead of track and rolling stock), how does that qualify as infrastructure investment?; and...
2. This would seem another indication that wage and salary inflation is starting to creep into the developed economies, and it's not just the "top 0.10%" that benefits. Organized labor in Europe and the public sector in North America (which has seen tremendous job growth in recent years), will probably lead the way.

[Slimprofits]

Re: G.W. Bush could not appear to care any less about infrastructure spending

Two things came to mind as I read this:

1. If all the money goes to meeting escalating labor costs (instead of track and rolling stock), how does that qualify as infrastructure investment?; and...

Nice work, I overlooked that major detail.