Suggestions for the US Senate

I just sent the following to Senator Bill Nelson's office. Feel free to add your support to one or more of my ideas.

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I just thought I'd share some ideas that might be somewhat acceptable to the Republicans and my liberal friends alike:

1) Fund coupons to be distributed by manufacturers good for the purchase price of their product or, in the case of high-end items, a certain percentage. These would have the greatest impact if they were applied to products that require a great deal of labor to produce (like automobiles) or to install (energy efficient windows, furnaces). Because manufacturers already have their marketing and distribution systems, implementation would be quick and easy.

2) Set up a plan similar to the student loan guarantee program for home energy efficiency improvement loans. If the government paid the interest and I had 10 or 15 years to pay the loan off, I'd replace our heat pump and windows tomorrow, save energy, and reduce our expenses. Banks could even combine the payments with the existing mortgage.

3) Establish a fund to be administered through banks and credit unions that are not in trouble for the express purpose of refinancing mortgages. Terms: The existing mortgage holder has to forgive 20 percent of the principal. The new mortgage is 30-year fixed. The value of the home must be between 50 and 80% of the existing mortgage. The government guarantees the difference between the value and 80% of the existing mortgage.

Good luck!

Dave