Cash for Caulkers

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By Jared Bray

Story Published: Dec 15, 2009 at 10:48 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 16, 2009 at 11:11 AM MDT

BILLINGS - More than 20% of U.S. carbon emissions come from residential buildings. That's why President Obama is calling on Congress to approve an economic stimulus bill dedicated to help homeowners make their homes greener.

Many people are calling the program "Cash for Caulkers" because the program would offer consumer rebates for households that make energy efficient upgrades to their homes.

Developer Greg McCall from McCall homes says the program will not only help the environment but it could also boost the economy.

"It is going to be putting people back to work right away, but we don't necessarily feel that it's going to impact us as much as it could if it were to focus on new construction as well and not just retrofitting, so that we could put those people back to work in new construction as well," said McCall.

Since 2006 about 1.6 million construction industry workers have lost employment. The "Cash for Caulkers" program would give them a chance to find work again.

Thursday, Dec 17 at 9:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Salutations. I assumed nothing but I did respond to your post. The jobs created by such a program will be no more short term than the jobs created in the 30's and 40's. The long term benefit will be energy conservation that lasts as long as the homes themselves. Window manufactures, insulation manufactures, appliance manufactures and everyone involved in the sale, delivery and installation will benefit. Years from now our energy will be cheaper than it otherwise would have been too.

Wednesday, Dec 16 at 4:43 PM It's been done before. wrote ...

Greetings anonymous. I don't recall any mention in the article for plans to build new public municipalities, i.e. roads, dams, and infrastructure; which by the way would be an excellent idea and a good use of funds. They would create a long term job base to run and maintain them. Unlike money used to caulk and replace insulation in private homes. You just assume that because I am conservative with Federal spending and concerned with the next generation's future. I haven't a clue!

Wednesday, Dec 16 at 9:30 AM Anonymous wrote ...

It has been done before. Remember how horrible the fifties were after all of that govt. spending in the thirties and forties? Rooesevelt's make work programs didn't do anything for anybody and we never did use any of those dams, roads, parks, or electrical infrastruture did we? Just a waste is all...unless you have a brain and a clue.

Wednesday, Dec 16 at 7:48 AM It's been done before. wrote ...

Just another goverment funded short term bandaid. These workers will be out of work again as soon as the program has ended. Feds are spending money that will be then next generation's burden. Will they even be able to afford a home?

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