Stimulus Yay or Nay
Our State government has the ability to accept or decline money in the stimulus package specifically set aside for improving efficiency in existing homes. Should we take it?
First let me describe the difficulties with the retrofit market. It requires a considerable knowledge of current and past construction techniques for both contractors and general contractors. Second- it requires considerable human resources and it not nearly as profitable as new construction. Third- a hot new construction market puts pressure on resources and increases costs to consumers.
Conversely, in a down market the consumer pricing will be extremely competitive and the amount of time existing subcontractors will be required to put into a project will be an excellent boost to the economy. The short term effects will be immediate and the long term benefits will allow Idaho residents to put their money into growing the state strong.
A healthy retrofit market can generate roughly 20 million dollars worth of jobs for struggling contractors,skilled labor and suppliers.
The effect of this will be very important in terms of keeping existing qualified people in their homes, paying taxes and staying in the State of Idaho which will allow us to rebound from our difficult economic times much faster in the future.
This is the best time in the last 20 years for the consumer to spend money on improvements. This is the best time in the last twenty years to develop this market.
You can tell where I stand on the issue. Where do you stand. Should we let this stimulus go or should we access it?