Take a look at the facts behind the Economic Stimulus Packages for Maine

State Budget Breakdown:

Amount state is on pace to overspend this year?   $940 Million

Jobs lost since the stimulus was enacted?   8500

Change in unemployment since stimulus was enacted?  February 2009  7.7%  

               July 2010      8.1%

Change in foreclosures since stimulus was enacted?   February 2009  261   

July 2010     348

Some examples of the stimulus help for Maine:

1.) Just what we need more basket-makers.  A $50,000 stimulus grant went to the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance to support the traditional arts apprenticeship program.

2.) 'Fido' gets a treat.  In 2008, the Lobster Institute received $188,000 of federal money.  "One of its major accomplishments has been lobster dog biscuits"

3.)  Aren't Lobster's a food source?  This year $200,000 was earmarked for lobster research at the Maine Department of Marine Services.

Source:  http://www.bankruptingamerica.org/sources-state-budget-breakdowns/

Now how does this all affect Lisbon?   SPEND SPEND SPEND


Must be time for another, name the flag-pole-downtown-revitalization-revaluation contest, huh?