Posted on 05/10/2007 1:38:21 PM PDT by bd476
Brownback suggests plan for Greensburg
Sen. Sam Brownback suggested Thursday that a pilot program based on the Homestead Act could bring revitalization and relief to Greensburg.
Through a series of tax incentives, Brownback told media in a conference call that he hopes the program would stimulate the town's economy and encourage it to grow.
The program would have four main components:
• a $5,000 tax credit for all first-time homebuyers;
• help paying down student loans for people to move in and stay in Greensburg;
• tax credits for investing in the rural community;
• a venture capital fund.
Similar programs have successfully worked in cities, Brownback said, but this would be the first in a rural area.
"We're going to see if we can get this in place as a pilot project, and I think it could be a good project in Greensburg," Brownback said.
He said he is working with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to waive the local disaster assistance program match. Normally, the federal government would give 75 percent of a city's requested funds, with the city ponying up 25 percent.
"We're pushing that that local match be rescinded because there is no local match to be had," Brownback said. "The community needs its money for local purposes."
Kiowa County Commissioner Gene West, who hadn't heard the specifics about Brownback's plan, said it was something to consider.
"Anything that can help is going to be great," West said.
Barbara J. Isenberg
Just for the sake of discussion, assuming no government involvement at all, how much of the rebuilding process would be covered by insurance?
I'm confused by this whole proposal, but especially the part above. The town was wiped out. Homeowners lost everything. Although I think people should have insurance rather than depend on Uncle Sam, I am not heartless and I'm not opposed to helping the homeowners who lost so much.
But what's the point of rewarding other people who, by definition, were not homewoners who lost everything to the tornado??
I suppose it depends. They live in a flood plain and tornado alley, their insurance probably was high so many may have chosen a high deductable to offset costs.
The whole package looks like it is built to not so much to lure the old residents back but to lure new residents there.
If you are a constituent of the Senator Brownback, I encourage you to call his office and ask the following question: Did the Governor tell you that Howard Dean had directed her to lie about the state’s situation vis a vis the National Guard?
They’re worried that with such a small community if most people move away the town won’t be rebuilt and will become a ghost town.
Government should not be using my money to manipulate growth patterns in the mid-west.
Even if this story is true, Brownback is too much a coward and spineless GOP politician to admit it.
I heard this on Hannity today and the two folks Sean was talking to said Brownback “didn’t want to damage his relationship with the governor.”
What a putz! Who would want a “relationship” with a POS Dem governor that would 1) say those lies and 2) admit it was for political points?
And Brownback actually thinks he can win the GOP nomination for President? What a moron. Another spineless, cowardly, whimpy, Charlie Brown-like Republican that thinks you can actually work with human scum called Democrats.
My sentiments, too. This whole incentive reminds me of the mayor in Jaws trying lure beach-goers into the water.
Brownback could have been a political ‘hero’, instead . . .
ALso, why only reward them if they decide to live in Greensburg?
Shouldn't it be up to the people who were harmed by the tornado if they wish to remain there?
I don't know if Greensburg was a good or bad place to live. I say let the people who lived there decide if they want to rebuild or not. They know the place better than I or the federal government do.
This is the type thing that separates real leaders from wannabes. Can’t be a leader if you are always worried about what folks back at the Congress Club think.
Exactly why my favorite candidate is Duncan Hunter, an ex-Army ranger not afraid to kick some booty if necessary.
Mitt Romney is also acceptable as shown by the fact that he can stand up to Al Sharpton and the enemedia.
I'll take a guy with less than perfect conservative credentials with a backbone over a spineless nice guy any day.
What you suggest is a real possibility. But on the other hand, government policies have favored urbanization, so I think this could be a real cat fight to show some even-handedness to rural America.
I grew up in tornado alley and I'm used to seeing tornadoes cut a swath across a city, but in this case the tornado just obliterated the town, which I haven't seen before. It's just terrible, the force of that storm.
Which is why my ex-Senator, Bill Frist, was a lousy Majority Leader and got nothing but laughs from folks when the idea of him running for president was discussed.
Now, another ex-Senator of mine is a different story (run, Fred, run).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.