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Effect of Recent Elections on the Proposed Home Star Program

Cash For Caulkers — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:15:16 +0000

Here’s a breakdown of the legislators in Washington who have had a major role in the proposed Home Star legislation (“Cash for Caulkers”), and how they fared in recent elections on November 2nd.

Rep. Peter Welch, D-VT – Sponsored the House bill on Cash for Caulkers. Welch won his third term to the House on November 2nd. He said that job creation will be his top priority during this term. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-NM – Sponsored the Senate bill on Cash for Caulkers. Senator Bingaman was not up for re-election, but will be in 2012.

Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC – Co-sponsored the Senate Cash for Caulkers bill. Senator Graham was not up for re-election, but will be in 2014.

Senator Mark Warner, D-VA – Co-sponsored the Senate Cash for Caulkers bill. Senator Warner will also be up for re-election in 2014.

Senator Harry Reid, D-NV - Introduced the Cash for Caulkers bill before the Senate on July 28, 2010. Reid won with 50.2% of the vote over challenger Sharron Angle, who had 44.6% of the vote.

So, all the key players of the Home Star legislation are still in Washington. However, the Republicans now control the House of Representative and made gains in the Senate. The question now remains will President Obama and the legislators listed above still push for the Home Star program?

Harry Reid, A Supporter of Cash for Caulkers, May Not Get Re-Elected

Cash For Caulkers — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:02:52 +0000

According to Politico, early voting in two of Nevada’s largest counties has been higher on the Republican side, which does not favor Harry Reid’s bid for re-election. This reduces the already slim probability that a Cash for Caulkers bill will get passed any time soon.

As you may recall, in July Harry Reid planned to introduce the bill to the Senate and hoped to pass the bill before the Senate took a recess in August. The bill never came up for discussion and media coverage of the HomeStar program has been basically non-existent since then.

What Happened to the Cash for Caulkers Program?

Cash For Caulkers — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:35:08 +0000

The Senate returned from their recess back on September 10th. Contrary to the goals of some in the Senate, there has been very little discussion of the proposed HomeStar program (commonly known as Cash for Caulkers). With the possibility that the democrats would lose control of the House of Representatives in the elections on November 2nd, it is unlikely that any Senators would publicly campaign for the Cash for Caulkers program. With a projected deficit of over $1.4 trillion this year, the electorate simply does not want to see increased government spending, as evidenced by a recent Gallup poll which listed the economy, jobs, dissatisfaction with government, and the budget deficit. So, if the Republicans do strengthen their presence in Washington, it is unlikely that the HomeStar program will ever get passed. However, we’ll continue to monitor the Cash for Caulkers effort, and will post updates as they are available.

Will Obama Discuss Home Star details on September 10th?

Cash For Caulkers — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:19:24 +0000

Harvard University History and Business Professor Niall Ferguson told CNBC today that the White House may roll out tax cuts before the November elections. This story also jives with one from the Business Insider today which suggests the White House is preparing another stimulus, but the White House states that no stimulus is being considered. Business Insider speculates that focus group research might indicate a negative perception of the word “stimulus”, so it is likely any further economic stimulus will not be labeled so.

The question we ask is how does the Home Star program fit in with any potential economic stimulus package from the White House?

Perhaps the stars are aligning for the Cash for Caulkers program. The House has already passed their version of the Home Star program. The Senate is back in session on September 10th. And now President Obama has a news conference scheduled for Friday, September 10, 2010. Will the President be promoting the Home Star program during his news conference?

Senator Reid to Introduce Home Star Bill to the Senate Today

Cash For Caulkers — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:01:27 +0000

According to the Financial Times, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released details of an energy bill on Tuesday, July 27th. However, at the time of this post Senator Reid’s website does not contain comment or details on the energy bill. The Financial Times article states the bill will provide $5 billion in incentives for the Home Star program, which will give rebates to homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient.

According to CNBC, Senator Reid will introduce the Home Star bill today in the Senate, and hopes to get this bill passed next week before the Senate takes its August recess.