How about this for a stimulus package?

I hear a lot about stimulus packages being considered by the government to jumpstart the economy, usually it entails sending a check to those who qualify in various amounts, then waiting to see how the windfall will be spent. If the stimulus money does not circulate in the proper growth areas the economy continues to languish. I believe the economy can be jump started, if done in the correct manner. Getting an American populace already strapped to spend money is no easy task. The reluctance to spend and or invest continues to erode away not only the economy but also what we have already developed in our communities.

In the past the government has tried to entice property owners into investing in home improvements such as insulation, energy conserving improvements, replacement windows and such by offering tax credits for these investments by the owner. This was a win/win situation but it did not have eligibility for all as some of these were for improvements on rental property only.

I see an opportunity to conserve our energy resources, improve our communities, increase our local tax base, stimulate our local economy as well as create jobs.

I feel that based on a pre-qualification of any individual property owner based on their income that program could be created where we could promote investment in our personal property and land which would yield all that I have already mentioned and more.

The program would consist of a dollar for dollar match from funds supported by local, state and federal entities, the total available amount to an individual would be based on their own economic qualifications. Upon approval of application the homeowner would contact at least three local contractors to estimate and bid on the improvement work to be performed a percentage which could be for improvements that would raise property value regardless of energy conservation concerns. As long as the estimates were all within a certain percentage say five to ten percent of the total cost, the homeowner could choose the bidder desired to do the work. The homeowner would have to prove they have their share of the investment either cash or approved finance before work started and the government would process their portion of payment on satisfactory completion of the work in a timely manner. Local contractors participating would need to be approved based on insurance, licenses, permits etc. Property improved under this program if sold within a certain time frame would be subject to a penalty to preclude abuses by house flippers.

The local small business and labor would benefit as well as local material supply houses, the property values would increase based on improvements and our community would look maintained. The homeowner could realize cost savings from energy conservation that over time could equal his or her investment as well as enjoy the increased property value.

Total improvement packages could be approved as high as thirty thousand dollars based on the property owner鈥檚 ability to invest up to fifteen thousand dollars of their own funding.

Now, that鈥檚 what I call a stimulus package with a win/win situation.

Hookem, I don't know how this would equate to sending the money straight to mexico? The contractors would be approved using legal labor who pay taxes. My feeling is that they won't lower our taxes so lets find away to get some money rebated to us that have paid the taxes, worked hard and deserve a stimulus package and not give it to someone who will spend it on booze, drugs or who knows what else that has no positive impact.

I would not call this a stimulus package, at least not in these times.
Housing prices are falling and gasoline costs to much, with the cost of gas it increase the transportation costs of food so that is higher as well.
No one that is not in foreclosure wants to risk available cash or debt that may lead to foreclosure during the uncertainty of the housing market.
The other problem that you have is that rental prices would increase because home owners will increase rents to help pay for these upgrades.

You could say that money for rental properties would be in the form of a grant but then the people with several rental units get the benefit of property value increases at the expense of the taxpayers, if you make it a loan that is paid at the time of resale, these same people may elect not to use this money as they would be getting less of a profit when they sell out.

Stimulus packages have to be very well planned, dumping money into the economy is only part of the answer because only those that do not have a lot will spend, others will just pocket the money or put it in the bank.

Edit: Note to asker.
So, if I upgrade my own rental property and invest my own funds as well as the stimulus package, why wouldn't I raise the rent to cover my costs? That is the real point that I am trying to make, if you own a house you benefit but if you own rental property you benefit greatly. Your proposal is not a win/win for a renter.

All the stimulus packages I keep hearing about are simply the government taking my money with taxes and them giving it back out to the public.

I went back to college as an adult and busted my butt for several years, now I actually earn a decent living. As a result they are going to give a bunch of my money to someone else to spend. Oh, but they are going to be nice and give me some also!

Would it not be much easier to actually cut my taxes and let me spend my own money?

Yes, I want to save for retirement, buy a new home in the next 9 months and do other things with my money. All of which will stimulate the economy.

You know, I really do not need the government's help in spending the money I work hard to earn.

Sounds like a good plan....We NEED to Raise TAXES though on anyone making over $500,000 a yr..All Corporations who've made windfall profits should be subjected to higher taxes. All international firms operating in the U.S. should be forced to pay higher taxes. There should be a living wage guaranteed by the government to be paid by law by all businesses operating in the United States. This should be based off a more accurate and up to date COLA "cost of living adjustment" that takes rising rent/housing prices, rising food costs, and rising energy prices into consideration. Firms should also be held socially responsible to their employees and local communities they operate within. they should be held accountable to maintain transparency in all their actions and to maintain proper and ethical business practices which are in accordance with the law. Finanlly, The working and middle classes should no longer be duped by conservative policies which mis-inform the public, and use fear to get them to vote against their own interests......If we enact these sensable ideas we wouldn't need any stimulous packages...

"the homeowner would contact at least three local contractors to estimate and bid on the improvement work to be performed a percentage which could be for improvements that would raise property value regardless of energy conservation concerns. As long as the estimates were all within a certain percentage say five to ten percent of the total cost, the homeowner could choose the bidder desired to do the work."

Or we could just send the money straight to Mexico. Same result.

But seriously... how's this for a stimulus package... LOWER MY GODDANGED TAXES!!!!