The Michigan Home Care Experts blog posted information concerning the upcoming February 2009 digital broadcast changes happening all across the United States.  Starting next year all television broadcast stations will stop analog broadcasts.  Here is a sample from the post:

The “TV Converter-Box Coupon Program” allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Converter boxes are expected to cost $50-$70 and will be available at most major electronics stores.  Individuals can apply for a coupon from now until March 31, 2009, while supplies last. Congress set aside $1.5 billion for the program, which will fund 33.5 million coupons. To apply for a coupon, call the 24-hour hot line at 1.888.DTV.2009 or go to https://www.dtv2009.gov/Default.aspx.

At first glance, this program seems innocent enough, helping 33.5 million people with analog sets to continue watching their favorite television programs.  However, can anyone else out there find a better way for $1.5 billion to be spent, especially in our struggling economy?

Let’s crunch the numbers for just a minute.  This agreement between the FCC and broadcast companies allows for as few as 16.75 million people to access two $40 vouchers for their old TV sets.  What if we used this $1.5 billion for something that was a little more important than watching television?

• If the money was returned to the American citizens, every tax payer would receive a $12.82 refund.  Those needing converter boxes would have some extra cash towards their $50 purchase, and those not needing converter boxes could spend the money on some movie rentals or a few gallons of gasoline.
• If the money was returned to the states according to population, Michigan (4.8% of American taxpayers) would receive a lump sum of $70.5 million.  How could this help?  It would pay off roughly 7.6% of Michigan’s $920 million budget deficit.
• In terms of education, that same $70.5 million could provide each of Michigan’s 838 public schools with  $84,129, enough to fund two additional teachers or the opportunity to purchase new technology for students.
• Finally, think of the 446,000+ children in Michigan living in poverty.  Could this money help them, feed them, insure them?  By doing so, could this money help reduce the tax payer burden at the same time?

My point here is simple.  There are more important things to fund than digital television converters.  The very fact that people would need them could help spending in Christmas of 2008, and some of the converters could have even be made here in Michigan, helping to increase the number of jobs our manufacturing folks need right now.

Besides, when the music industry yanked vinyl albums from the shelves to make way for CDs, did any of the music labels or record companies help you purchase a CD player? Of course not.  People had to make that purchase on their own, without the government’s help.

As your congressman, I won’t vote in favor of wasteful federal spending like this idea.  We have an obligation to return taxpayer dollars to the public whenever possible.  Think of what we could have done for our deficit, our schools, our children.

My name is Bert Copple, and I’m ready to be your Congressman.

HOPE.  FAITH.  CHANGE in 2008!

www.bertcopple.com