I read with interest the July 23 front-page story in the Delaware State News titled, “Kent County, cities begin to talk ARPA spending.”
I was somewhat appalled at the additional evidence that our Congress in Washington, D.C., continues to spend unrequested taxpayer money. The article goes on to tell us that Kent County will receive more than $35 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, yet the rules are still being determined. But an interim ruling is in place, and the final ruling is not approved yet. We learned that the funding is to support COVID-19-response efforts, replace lost revenue within governments and support economic stabilization. So the money is to help but doesn’t specify how.
Our legislature tells us that Delaware has a significant economic surplus this year, so, first off, there is no lost revenue to replace. Additionally, that surplus is at least enough to cover the money Congress would send. We all like to get free money, including governments, but there is no free lunch.
Where and when does the Congressional spending spree end?
Congressional spending needs closer scrutiny and perhaps constitutional limitations. If you agree, take a look at conventionofstates.com. You will find you have a lot of people in agreement with you. The Convention of States organization supports constitutional amendments for managing our financial interest in Washington, as well as term limits.
Benjamin Cassell
Greenwood
