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Understanding Pork-Barrel Spending and the Legislative Branch Functions

Dive into the intricacies of the U.S. Legislative Branch and explore the concept of "pork-barrel" spending. This engaging video outlines the true nature of government projects funded by federal money, reviewing real examples from recent years and encouraging viewers to evaluate their legitimacy. Learn about the structure of Congress, its members, and the legislative process, all while appreciating Senator Bismarck's quote about law-making. Discover recent significant legislation and consider how local needs might be addressed through effective law-making.

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Understanding Pork-Barrel Spending and the Legislative Branch Functions

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Legislative Branch 1 A little bills and a little intro And this little video (which MIGHT work)

  2. Let’s start with some Pork-Barrel Spending! • The “Pork Barrel” – pool of federal monies available for appropriation • The “Pork” – government projects that benefit only a specific locale, specifically the sponsors voters +

  3. True/False Quiz • Which of the following are REAL government projects from the past 10 years? • $4,200,000 for shrimp aquaculture research in 7 states to develop domestic shrimp farms • $211,000 for tropical aquaculture in Florida aimed at ornamental fish development • $591,017,000 for 8 C-130J aircraft • $1,000,000 for the Waterfree Urinal Conservation Initiative • $350,000 for hanging basket plants in Chicago

  4. Quiz cont’d • $450,000 for plantings on the eastern front of the Capitol • $300,000 to buy special locks for anhydrous ammonia tanks • $100,000 for the Harper’s Ferry (W.Va.) Police Department • $950,000 for a parking facility at an Omaha art museum • $500,000 for the Sparta Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C.

  5. Back to some Basics of Legislative Branch! *membership #s accurate to the best of my knowledge, they are at least close* • House of Reps – Elected every 2 years • 435 voting members, 6 non-voting • Requirements: • 25 years old • 7 yrs citizen • Resident of the state • 234 Republicans, 201 Democrats • Approx 82 Women, 353 Men

  6. House cont’d • Racial demographics • 348 Caucasian • 41 African-American • 33 Hispanic • 12 Asian/Pacific Islander • 2 American Indian • Salary - $174,000/yr

  7. Senate • 100 members – approx. 1/3 up for reelection every 2 years (6 year terms) • Requirements: • 30 yrs old • 9 yrs citizen • Resident of state • 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans, 2 Independents (both of whom caucus with Democrats) • 20 women, 80 men

  8. Senate cont’d • 94 Caucasian • 2 African-American • 4 Hispanic • 1 Asian/Pacific Islander • Salary - $174,000/yr

  9. The work of Congress • Primary function is making/adjusting laws • Accomplish this goal through the Bill process!

  10. Consider… • Quote from Otto von Bismarck: • “Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made.” • What is implied by this quote? • A clip

  11. The Bill-to-Law Process:Grossly Simplified ?

  12. Notable Recent Legislation • USA PATRIOT Act – Actually an acronym • Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (2001) – primarily increases surveillance • NCLB – Bush’s plan, Bush gets the blame/credit for it • Passed overwhelmingly by both houses – Ted Kennedy (D) was major sponsor • Affordable Health Care for America Act *passed* • Close to 2000 pages of sweeping health care reforms • On-campus Gophers Stadium (MN) • MN on the hook for about 55% of total cost ($10.25 million/year for 25 years) • Minnesota Twins Stadium • .15% tax on goods and services purchased in Hennepin county among other things

  13. What does Minnesota NEED? • What is an aspect of Minnesota that could be improved through legislation? • Some Audio Clips forthcoming! • Smoking Rant • Speeding Tickets

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