20 votes
There are now cardio machines, like stationary bikes, ellipticals and treadmills, that generate electricity from use. If you traded these energy efficient machines for current machines, the government could save millions in the cost of electricity to use the machines and in the 'free' energy created from the use of the machine.
22 votes
Put a limit on total countries that we provide financial aid to at any given time. (we can't help everybody) Then put a cap on total $$ we can give to any one country. Then put a cap on total $$ we can give combined to all countries on the list. The more we help other countries the less we can help ourselves. **I should note that I'm not discussing the entitiy "USAID" itself, I mean to suggests that any and all financial ...more »
Put a limit on total countries that we provide financial aid to at any given time. (we can't help everybody) Then put a cap on total $$ we can give to any one country. Then put a cap on total $$ we can give combined to all countries on the list. The more we help other countries the less we can help ourselves.
**I should note that I'm not discussing the entitiy "USAID" itself, I mean to suggests that any and all financial aid to foreign countries be better controlled. Including aid coming from Department of State etc.
« less full details »
58 votes
The $1 bill cost more than a dollar to produce. It is time we replace it with coins like they have done in Europe. They last longer and are cheaper to make.
35 votes
Repeal the current tax code(s) and replace with the fair tax. It will "instantly" enrichen everyone including the US Government - we need drastic action to deal with this global economic meltdown. Fair tax will fix it all - almost overnight. All one really has to do is ask one's self- how is the current system working for you? Answer = we're bankrupt. Does 1 trillion dollars really exist? http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_main ...more »
Repeal the current tax code(s) and replace with the fair tax. It will "instantly" enrichen everyone including the US Government - we need drastic action to deal with this global economic meltdown. Fair tax will fix it all - almost overnight.
All one really has to do is ask one's self- how is the current system working for you?
Answer = we're bankrupt.
Does 1 trillion dollars really exist?
http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_main
« less full details »
72 votes
1. Saves energy in America.
2. Saves roads / extends their life
3. Less energy consumed in office space
4. Focus for projects
5. Improved morale
6. More agile workforce able to work offsite during contingencies
25 votes
Most of them are very rich. We will see how many of these rich are there to serve. Let them volunteer to do this and see who the true patriots are!
90 votes
My building in the military had one that powered the HVAC and the hot water. We were always very comfortable and it was not at the expense of taxpayers beyond installation. What made this good was that we were a 24/7 function. We need more of these where it pays to add them and they should be made in America!
41 votes
For decades we have focused on free trade. This is not a bad thing but Americans must hear from the top that buying American is a good thing to do. If we buy more then prices go down.
I looked at the American Living line in JC Penney and it is made in the usual suspects. They charge more and you would think it would be AMERICAN made!
7 votes
The college grant checks, that are obtained through FAFSA, should be sent out after the end of their first year in college, so abuse of the system would be discouraged. A lot of people just stay in college long enough to collect their first checks and withdraw the next day.
13 votes
Reward each U.S. Governmental Agency that does not spend every dollar that was budgeted and appropriated for by allowing them to save the money at the end of the fiscal year. This money could go into a centralized US Government investment account. Recommend rewarding agencies that come in under budget with a recognition program based on the amount of money they saved proportional to their overall budget. Allow Agencies ...more »
Reward each U.S. Governmental Agency that does not spend every dollar that was budgeted and appropriated for by allowing them to save the money at the end of the fiscal year. This money could go into a centralized US Government investment account. Recommend rewarding agencies that come in under budget with a recognition program based on the amount of money they saved proportional to their overall budget. Allow Agencies to save up their money and use it on a project or resource they really need in the future. Recommend not factoring savings amounts into their future budget either. The money that is saved/generated off of interest could go into paying off the national deficit, U.S. Savings Bonds, Social Security, etc. By rewarding Agencies for saving money it promotes an environment that rewards fiscal mindedness. If all agencies are promoting and participating, little savings and big savings alike will add up quickly. You could title it the "Investing in America Savings Program."
« less full details »
10 votes
Fix and upgrade Dc-Md-Va roads and transit systems. Get federal employees to work on time, with less effort, and frustration.
42 votes
Change all default typeset to Century Gothic, which saves 30% more ink than Arial. This would result in millions of dollars in savings for the government, with a very simple change.
22 votes
Allow agencies to save year end funds instead of being forced to dump their year end funds or lose them. This would allow for an agency to save for a rany day or larger projects that require special funding. This would also stop unnecessary spending on items just for the sake of emptying the year end budget at the end of September every year.
36 votes
Agencies can reduce paperwork costs by using digital paperwork. I have reduced the need to print about 10,000 pages over 6 months through use of a personally purchased e-reader.
The savings on paper are substantial enough. However, when the cost of ink and printers are factored in, such purchasing decisions become a no brainer.
36 votes
Many positions can be automated. Examples such as the timekeeper or a multiple security guards. Add man traps and other features. If the private sector is doing it to be more efficient so should the govt!
30 votes
The high speed rail projects that were proposed were in the wrong states. We need to redirect those funds to a maglev from Washington D.C to New York City. We need to connect our leadership capital with our financial capital. Agencies would be able tl locate up the corridor and have cheaper travel. Since this will take a load off roads then it can be built with government funds and leased to a commercial operator ...more »
The high speed rail projects that were proposed were in the wrong states. We need to redirect those funds to a maglev from Washington D.C to New York City. We need to connect our leadership capital with our financial capital. Agencies would be able tl locate up the corridor and have cheaper travel. Since this will take a load off roads then it can be built with government funds and leased to a commercial operator to use and maintain and earn a profit. Since the infrastructure is leased the deal must place caps on rate increases - they must be based on increasing cost and not increasing profitability.
This would help Amtrak not need govt funds and you could get from DC to New York in 1 hour. The existing Accela rail lines in the corridor can be worked with the local commuter rails that are operated by Amtrak so that the additional tracks planned won't need to be added!
« less full details »
14 votes
I hate to say this but the GSA and DLA prices for items such as tools are criminal. If they cannot offer the best product at the best price then we should ALWAYS be able to change to IMPAC funds and buy from a commercial source such as Sear Craftsman. I priced one DLA tool box that cost $1250 was $217 at Sears. The Sears set was also lifetime warranty and the pieces matched. The DLA set was mix match! Best product, ...more »
I hate to say this but the GSA and DLA prices for items such as tools are criminal. If they cannot offer the best product at the best price then we should ALWAYS be able to change to IMPAC funds and buy from a commercial source such as Sear Craftsman.
I priced one DLA tool box that cost $1250 was $217 at Sears.
The Sears set was also lifetime warranty and the pieces matched. The DLA set was mix match!
Best product, best price period!
« less full details »
19 votes
Instead of being a single year funding rollover could limit unfunded requirements by finding savings.
No more Christmas in August and September!
19 votes
This idea will save both money and trees. Require all agencies to use the duplex printing features on their printers. This will significantly reduce the amount of paper that is used in every office.
16 votes
Average life of a dollar bill is measured in months while a coin lasts for decades. Having both available doesn't work, just look at the existing dollar coin and bill. Eliminate the paper bill for denominations of $5 and under and mint only coins. Possibly add a two dollar coin, like Canada.
49 votes
Elected officials should be paid as non-employees. That means they would get no benefits and would receive a 1099 at the end of the year. They would be responsible for their own expenses, retirement, and taxes.
170 votes
24 votes
29 votes
Currently a 20 year military vet that joined at 18 and retires at 38 gets a retirement immediately. I am military so I understand this isn't popular but that means if they live the life expectancy they get this for 40+ years!
This is not true for the reserves so the system needs to be more balanced.
10 votes
We need to have the President set an ambitious export goal. Like increase so much by this date.
This should be the goal of all executives - even states. They should want the US to lead the world in goods and services.
