Why isn't the simulas having an effect?

[sokinwet]

A couple of things: Since the federal budget year starts on 10/ 1, the "current" budget is in fact from the last congress. It's interesting to note that many on both sides of the aisle are calling for the admin. to not sign this budget because of earmarks. The problem is that if the budget is rejected and it goes back to congress the fed. government will not have funds available to keep the govenment running unless there is a tempory funding measure passed. While some may say it's a good thing ...realistically it is not. Line item veto seems like a solution but congress still has to be on board.
Secondly, while everyone is wondering why the stimulus pkg. is having no effect, the $$ in fact is just becoming available. In the housing industry, we're just seeing the "grearing up" for mortgage foreclosure relief, etc. There was a good program on the evening news about construction industry hires in anticipation of the release of infrastructure work, etc. While I'm not a big fan of bailouts to mismanaged companies, I do think the stimulus bill will have a positive impact once "shovel ready" projects start .