who want or need to upgrade their home for energy conservation:
Per President Obama today, @ Savahhah, GA:
"New windows, new heating unit, new roof .... the homeowner would be eligible for up to 50% of the cost of the work, instantly, at the cash register"
on talk regarding Rebate on Energy Efficient Products @ Jobs & Economy speech
.
BusinessWeek online link : here
Newsvine online link: here
Well, I've heard about a lot of 'tax credit' programs in the past, but they never appealed to me, because of the requirement to retain paperwork, mail it in - and hope that sometime in the future the 'rebate' check arrives in the mailbox. I'm pretty sure I'm still waiting for a "free $50 Visa card" from Qwest Communications for my very first wireless cellular phone from back in 1997...
But to get the 'rebate' at the cash register?
New insulation for the attic? A replacement window for the downstairs bedroom? A new roof?
Cash back now, today, while I'm buying materials?
Now, that would put some work in the hands of our dying, small-business construction industry.
My future son-in-law has worked in construction for over five years and he is barely hanging on, with weeks at a time with no work, for more than a year at this point.
The small contractor, who does small to moderate repairs or remodels, with flexible terms, and a lot of years of experience, plus a great warranty to ensure customer satisfaction - return visits at no charge for mistakes or problems for sixty days. This small business is dying. He can't maintain a dependable crew, because he can't get enough work for four people.
Concrete workers - patios, driveways, foundations, garage floors, sidewalks ...
Framers - Offsite and Onsite framers for residential work, house frames and interior framing only
Trussworkers - Offsite (usually) construction of trusses and installation onsite
Carpenters - Offsite or Onsite construction and installation of stairs, cabinets and custom woodwork
Electricians - for all electrical work, small to large projects
... and a multitude of other tradesmen who are in dire need of work.
For a change, an idea that sounds like it will actually create some jobs and provide a financial benefit to average Americans - and increase energy efficiency at the same time.
To me, that sounds like a Triple Play!
Way to go, President Obama.