Colossal Waste: Millions Spent on "Stimulus" Signs

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If you've done much driving lately, you've probably seen the big signs posted alongside some construction projects: This Project Funded by the American Recovery and Investment Act. But have you wondered what those signs cost and who is paying for them? Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson talks about the up to $20 million in taxpayer dollars spent on nationwide signs so far, and the concerns of a lawmaker who predicts the bill could go high as $200 million over time if the spending goes unchecked. Henderson also discusses the Obama administration's rhetoric about jobs "saved or created" by the so-called stimulus spending. Then we turn to the debate over the controversial new DNA law. Gov. Beverly Perdue recently signed into law a measure requiring North Carolina law enforcement agencies to collect DNA samples from every person arrested on certain felony charges. Perdue and Attorney General Roy Cooper explained their support for the new law during a public signing ceremony. You'll hear their comments, along with a rebuttal from Daren Bakst, John Locke Foundation Director of Legal and Regulatory Studies. Bakst is not alone in sharing deep concerns about the new DNA collection law. Sarah Preston, policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, explained her group's opposition to the legislation during a presentation to the Federalist Society. You'll hear highlights. North Carolina lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed the new DNA collection law. The Senate approved it, 44-1, and the House supported it, 83-21. But those numbers obscure the heated debate surrounding the topic. In the legislative session's final hours, Reps. Bill Faison, D-Orange, Kelly Alexander, D-Mecklenburg, and Grier Martin, D-Wake, were among the people speaking for and against the measure. And finally, we find out the details about a Citizen's Constitutional Workshop to be held August 7 at the John Locke Foundation headquarters in downtown Raleigh. The free workshop will feature a review of the Constitution and the way key, consequential phrases such as "general welfare" have been abused by progressives to distort the original intent of the Founders. One of the presenters, JLF Director of Research Michael Sanera, explains who will benefit from the free, half-day workshop and discusses topics that will be covered. Registration information at www.JohnLocke.org/events.