SENATE BILL: Atlasian Green Jobs Act (Law'd)

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think approach should not necessarily just be about the spending... but about the processes.

I would like to see more focus on 'transitioning' from dirty-industry jobs to green ones. Rather than "thump" here's some money.

Government investment is very much needed in this effort - but we do need to consider HOW we execute the effort before we figure out how much it'll cost.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I honestly don't think this Bill is ready...

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

We already give tax breaks to companies who are energy efficient. Remember my bill?

Well, I think we need to be a bit more 'big picture' than paying people to encourage lower power bills

I suppose what it comes down to for me, is that if we want an effective Bill to really change the Atlasian economy into a greener one - it will take a lot of leg work.

When I get a moment, I'd like to work with interested Senators on this.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Investi g in green technology is expensive. My bill was intended to give them inventive to invest in it for the betterment of this country long term. I think it's better for our budget than the federal government paying for it.

But don't worry , you don't have to worry about signing my bill.

I would favor federal funds being available for people to take advantage of to research green technology. I'm still wary of a flat rate to invest in X technology. Seems too simplistic.

I'm with you on this.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Apologies - I am working on possible option for consideration. Should have it ready within the next few hours.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Thinking on it - I think Senator Duke's angle is the correct one for the short-term.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'm thinking something like...

$50b package over 4 years.

$30b in loans to business - loan limits to be based on company size and a business plan - by application - application to include the purpose of the loan, and the measurable results (penalties up to double the loan amount will be payable immediately if the money goes elsewhere)
- Interest rate to also be determined by credit-worthiness - maximum of 5%pa - minimum of 2%.

$10b in grants to low-income businesses to undertake green-expansion projects - again with measurable outputs

$5b in loans to regional governments who wish to undertake their own Greening projects  

$5b in grants to community organisations to improve their green-credentials...

Thoughts??

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Perhaps take others down to $8bn each and direct the $4bn to a University/Industry collaborative research program?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

So are we talking mainly funding for research, infrastructure, clean energy consumption, or a mix?

It should be as multi-faceted as possible.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

So I put the president's suggestions into bill form:

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What do you guys think?

Does Duke want to marry these two together?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

While I understand the Senator's point about community organisation as being private - I think the position should be more nuanced than that - not just public/private but commercial/not-for-profit.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think this Bill addresses a lot of needs and does it fairly.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think this Bill addresses a lot of needs and does it fairly.

Of course you do, you basically wrote it. 

Oh yeah... yay me!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think this Bill addresses a lot of needs and does it fairly.

Of course you do, you basically wrote it. 

Excuse me...ahem

Yes, that's true...

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]