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Pig Book 2012. PORK: Pet projects for Members of Congress districts/states, often considered wasteful or unnecessary for nation at large. EARMARKS.
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Pig Book 2012 PORK: Pet projects for Members of Congress districts/states, often considered wasteful or unnecessary for nation at large
EARMARKS • An earmark is a congressional provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees.
PIG BOOK RULES • This year’s Congressional Pig Book Summary symbolize the most egregious and blatant examples of pork. • Meet at least one of CAGW’s seven criteria, but most satisfy at least two: • Requested by only one chamber of Congress • Not specifically authorized; • Not competitively awarded; • Not requested by the President; • Greatly exceeds the President’s budget request or the previous year’s funding; • Not the subject of congressional hearings; or • Serves only a local or special interest.
EARMARS Go here to get your oink on: http://cagw.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2012-pig-book.pdf
ANSWER in STARTER • Pick your 3 favorite PORKY projects (biggest waste of taxpayer money). Briefly explain why you picked each. • List 2 at least somewhat justifiable projects. Describe how the Congress member might defend these. • Look at the state rankings. What might explain the top states? • Check out the historical trends. What has been happening recently. What could be a reason for this? • How could we reign in the pork? Give 3 ideas.