The Center for Effective Government (formerly OMB Watch) ceased operations as of March 2016. The majority of work and materials has been passed on to the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). This site is being maintained as an archive of materials produced.
The Coalition for an Accountable Recovery was formed to promote accountability policies for both government agencies and companies that contract with or benefit from recovery spending. Seizing 21st technology tools and precedents from states and cities, taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability in all new recovery efforts.
After a contentious debate period, the Senate voted (61-37) last night to end debate on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HR 1), or "ARRA." Today, the Senate moved to approve the bill, with an identical vote tally.
OMB Watch has joined more than 30 other groups from across the political spectrum in a new coalition demanding stronger transparency requirements in any stimulus efforts conducted by the government. The Coalition for an Accountable Recovery was formed to promote accountability policies for both government agencies and companies that contract with or benefit from recovery spending.
With nary a vote from the Republican side of the aisle, House Democrats approved a gigantic spending and tax package 244-188. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HR 1) calls for some $544 billion in spending, including a $3 billion transit provision added as amendment, and $275 in tax cuts.
Yesterday afternoon I came across a crazy headline in the CQ Midday Update email we get here at the Budget Brigade and I had to read it twice because I couldn't believe it. "AMT 'Patch' May Be Added to Economic Recovery Package," it read. Hmmm...that just seems crazy, totally crazy. What exactly does patching the Alternative Minimum Tax have to do with economic recovery? I'll tell you - absolutely nothing.
