On February 17, 2009, the day after President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law, the Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag sent a detailed memo to the heads of all departments and agencies receiving funds from the act, offering guidance for how to meet the President's high expectations for transparency and accountability.
In response, many have established their own Recovery Act web pages. Use this link to learn more about how the different agencies and departments are spending the funds allocated to them by the ARRA. But keep in mind, many more pages will come online -- with much more information -- in the weeks and months ahead, so check back often for updates.
You will be assigned one agency to research from the 25 agencies listed. You will need to write one paragraph with the following information:
Tell briefly what this agency does in your own words, (not something copied and pasted from the site)
Find within the agency website a link that has Agency plans and reports to ensure transparency. On a scale of 1 to 10, grade the site for transparency. (10 being the most transparent.) Describe in a couple of sentences why you gave that score. Please include the contact person and their phone number and e-mail address.
If time permits, you can call that contact person on your cell phone describing what you think should be done to make the site more transparent.
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As far as agency recovery sites go, i was given the department of energy. The department of energy basically does its best to implement the energy recovery act. This agency specializes in making as many buildings and structured "green" this means that they most likely generate their own clean renewable energy. They are also working on high quality bio fuels and cleaning up nuclear waste. I would rate this agency a 6, because although they are crafty when installing clean energies, everything that they do is noticeable in some way.
ReplyDeleteKevin Suddarth
This agency, GSA (General services administration) can help with chargecard services, energy & environmental, facilities supplies equipment & tools, and shared services.
ReplyDeletea link that shows agency plans and reports to ensure transparency is;
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_BASIC&contentId=25806
The site is probably graded with a 6. Personally, I think that the site could use a little more ways to show transparency, but at the same time it has enough information. Whomever created the site has good experience with the website systems because it was designed very easily, and quite simple.
Contact information for the person;
Barnaby L. Brasseux
GSA Deputy Administrator
(202) 501-1226
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
Arianna S
ReplyDeleteHealth care recovery plan
This plan effects health care by giving agecies money. The transparency of the way this bill will effect health care is very clear. Dollar amounts are listed, and the way the money will be used is plainly stated.
Department of Housing and urban development
ReplyDeleteIt said that the fund will provide assistance for people that are homeless. The program will get the homeless re-housed and stabilized.
it said that the fund will give a lot of assistance to prevent homelessness. The program will provide credit counseling, utility payments, medication and many more. Families would not suffer being on the streets any longer.
Princess Perez.
The Department of Health and Human Services
ReplyDeleteThis agency helps to fund Health Care centers across the United States. Brings them up to date, funds Scientific Research Facilities and Community Health Care programs and services.
The site is tagged with the word recovery and supposedly offers weekly reports. But only the most current weekly report is shown. Also the report is unclear and is confusing. It offers no guide on how to read the report. I would give this site a 5.
The contact person is Sheila Conley with the phone number 202-690-7084. There is no e-mail address and offers no other contact information.
Firdous Khan
Corporation for National Community Service
ReplyDeleteRecovery Act
It was signed by Obama on Feb 17 09. It is a start to help our economy. It will also provide health care and save/create millions of jobs. It will help the people in the greatest needs. It will hope to expand educational oppurtunities for the childrens.
hoa phan
blk 1
United States Department of Agriculture
ReplyDeleteBy: Ankur Singh
3.5% of the package is reserved for the USDA. It will increase the monthly amount of nutrition assistance to 31.8 million people. It will also expand loans and grants to rural communities. It will develop water facilities and waste facilities. The package will protect and conserve the nation's forest and farm land.
Agency Plans Link: http://www.usda.gov/documents/FY09_Stimulus_Enacted.pdf
Transparency: 7.5
I gave this score because the chart doesn't explain a lot.
Contact Info: usda_hotline@oig.usda.gov
(800) 424-9121
The agency that I got is Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is basically an effort to create more jobs and jump start our economy. On March 3, 2009, EPA reported that it has begun to administer the $7.22 billion in AARA funding allocated to support projects and programs administered by the Agency. To date, OMB has authorized $6.24 billion of this amount.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.epa.gov/recovery/plans.html
This site is pretty transparent i guess, i don't really get what it's talking about. so ill give it a 6.
1-866-411-4EPA contact person.
My department is homeland security. The department is responsible for the safety of our people and their freedom. In case of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster the Department of Homeland Security will give a federal response to ensure recovery. The department also does research designed to counter the threats to the United States. The department is also responsible for the trades across U.S borders, maximizing the security if trades. Lastly the department is responsible for services with immigration, such as jobs.
ReplyDeleteI rate the transparency of this Department a 4 because, i think that a lot of the citizens know what the Department of Homeland Security does its job well and not under the table. We know where our money is going.
Mikhail dela Cruz
Social Security Administration:
ReplyDeleteThe Social Security Administration is related to the Economic Recovery Act or 2009. On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the recovery act into law. Under the Recovery Act an issue of a one time payment of $250 and nearly 55 million social security benefits. They expect this by May 2009. They have also created an online retirement application will take about 15 minutes and you never have to leave your house. On a scale of 1 to 10 i would grade this site 1, because it is about social security. Obama is trying to help with our retirements and our money, so i grade the site 1.
Contact person:Frank Biro
Contact info:(410)996-7403
-Raeanne Ramos
The Smithsonian Recovery Act of 2009 provides the Smithsonian Institution with 25$ million dollars in order to repair and revitalize its existing facilities. In return the Smithsonian Institution will be required to submit a detailed report of their plans on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. On a scale from 1 to 10 I rate the link that is located on the site a 4. I rated the link a 2 because on the website the most recent semiannual report from the inspector general to the congress is of last year. However, there are some much more recent audit reports. The office of the Inspector General for the Smithsonian also includes a list of exactly what they are investigating. You may contact the Office of the Inspector General
ReplyDeleteSmithsonian Institution by calling the hot line at 202-252-0321 or by clicking the "send email" link on the website.
-Stephanie Pulido
Assigned to me, Zack Pinck, was the Department of Commerce.
ReplyDeleteThey promise to put a down payment for what they say have been long neglected issues and challenges our country has faced. This Act is considered an amazing response to catastrophic events like the Great Depression. They want to rebuild/reinforce our infrastructure and boost our economy. DoC said they will acquire $7.9 billion to save an estimated 2mil. jobs and help create new ones. I gave this transparency a 7.
- Zack Pinck
Department of Veterans Affairs
ReplyDeleteMarcus Escobedo
The department of Veteran Affairs is going in to the Recovery Act with optimism and support. They have said that they will support Obama and is on his side the whole ride there.
The site was not very helpful. i would give the site a transparency score of about 3.
i have no other information from the department of veteran affairs
The purpose of the Recovery Act is to create and save jobs that are military related, jump start our economy by creating these jobs and stabilizing them, and building the foundation for long-term economic growth and ensure jobs. To successfully accomplish this the department of defense is spending this money as soon as possible so it can take into effect and stabilize jobs.
ReplyDelete-Riley Walter
Department of Treasury
ReplyDeleteSAVANNAH COTTON
The Treasury Department is spending a large amount of money in different areas to help us get out of the recession. The fact that they are planning to relieve American families with $150 billion dollars gives me hope that we will get back on our feet.The most amount of money being distributed is to the Economic Recovery Payments is $16 billion. I would rate the transparency of this site as a 5. There is not information to get into contact with Peter Orzag who is the contact person and the director of Office and Management and Budget.
I am doing Department of Energy, The Agency is trying to save money, trying to help the economy by making more jobs, help with health care, and provide tax relief.
ReplyDeleteThe links I found for the Agency plan reports to ensure are...
http://www.energy.gov/recovery/documents/DOE_Weekly_Report_02232009.xls
and
http://www.energy.gov/recovery/documents/DOE_Major_Communications_Report_02232009.xls
I would grade the site a 10, my reasons are that it has 2 links, and its very organized along with lots of information. The person's contact email address is, David.Abercrombie@hq.doe.gov
~William Gow
Agency for International Development (USAID)
ReplyDeleteTheyre awaiting a $38M OMB funding apportionment, and recovery funds will be monitored by a unique account. The USAID key executive was identified as Alonzo Fulgham.
Andrew Jacobson
The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 was signed by President Obama on February 17th 2009.It will create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges. This act is a lot better than any since the Great depression. It will enhance energy, help those in need, provide tax relief, and expand educational opportunities.
ReplyDeleteThe main idea of the Recovery Act are creating and preserving jobs, spurring technological advances in science and health, and promoting economic recovery. NASA will work withe Congress and the office of Management to finalize its Recovery plans by the end of April. All the plans and weekly report will be posting the newest information on website of NASA. The purposes of these $ 1 billion dollars include: Cross- Agenes Support, Inspector General, Science, Aeronauties, and Exploration. I will give the weekly of grade on 8, because the chart is clear, but I can't see the topic of which the money spending. Here is the contact person that we can ask questions, Barry Haworth, recovery@nasa.gov.
ReplyDeleteCalvin Wang
The United States Department of Justice(DOJ) is a Cabinet department in the United States government designed to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, according to the law and to ensure fair and biased establishment of justice for all Americans. They are to supply federal leadership to controlling and precede crime, and finding penalties for those who have violated the law.
ReplyDeleteP. Jacob
This is LaToya Wadsworth block1 I was given the department of labor.They are talking about how they are dividing $3,950,000,000 to the work force investment pragrams.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to rate them between 1 thru 10, 10 being the highest I would rate it about a 4. I rate it this way because I personally do not see these programs. Also, on the program for the unempolyed they want to give them a extra 25 dollars a week. People do have bills that needs to be paid I feel we as a nation could be doing more. Back to the 25 dollars that is not going to pay a house note. This nation is losing jobs left and right and we are not really doing anything.
U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Ave., NW,
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)
i have U.S. General Service Administration. They provide service for a variety of thing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=3
I give this site a 10 cause i can find out everything i need to know about what they do.
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
I had the USDA also known as the Department of Agriculture. The department of agriculture has to do with the farms, food, nutrition, and anything that pertains to them. They have gotten the sum of $28 billion of the package.
ReplyDeleteI must say it'll help California at least with the way that we're trying to edge away from a drought. The website gives me information about their agency and if I have anything to bring to their attention there is contact info. I'd give their transparency about an 8/10 the way that food is going. I believe that they have enough money to get something done.
Nic Smith
The U.S. department of justice (DOJ) is basically a plan to jump start our economy. He wants to make an effort to keep jobs from closing down, and also create more jobs. He basically wants to do everything he can do to help save us from taking a plunge worst then the great depression by boosting many departments which will hopefully then boost the economy. He wants to keep the communities strong, and I like how he mentioned the fact that he wants to improve affordable health care, because i think that will be a big role in boosting the economy.
ReplyDeleteSteven Hunter
ReplyDeleteBlock 3
This is Jeremy Bumagat and I was given the department of Veteran Affairs. This site was not really up to date on their information.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know on the topic is that they are not giving veterans the medical care they need when they come back from wars. That is all I know.
They do not have any contact info on their site.
Jeremy Bumagat Block 3
I rate this site a 2
Paula C.
ReplyDeleteMy topic National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA's Recovery Act helps save and create millions of jobs. This also helps to fund projects related to art and could provide stimulus to our economy.
http://www.nea.gov/recovery/nea-recovery-plans-reports.html
I give the Agency Plans website a 6 because it doesn't really have a lot of information regarding the topic.
National Endowment for the Arts
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20506-0001
202-682-5400
webmgr@arts.endow.gov
The topic I was given was the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This agency is formed to make the country safer, create new jobs, and save the jobs of men and women who do the work of staying ahead of those who would seek to do us harm. This website was 100% transparent. They explain the agency really thoroughly and was a huge help. You can contact Secretary Janet Napolitano of the Department of Homeland Security at 202-282-8000.
ReplyDeleteBrian Khum
ReplyDeleteblock 3
rating: 8.899876564564 x 0.898888871 = ~8.0
I give this agency article a 8 because it really does tell you where this money is going. Its going energy enhance, expanding education opportunities, providing tax relief, etc. They're also relieving 150 billion relief to american families. He cares. Sending his words to those with the greatest needs. With this he will be able to ignite our economy.
small Business Administration
ReplyDeleteThe recovery act is to jump start the economy by creating new jobs,saving jobs.its to get small business out of credit debt,lower loans.Also give small businesses a financial opportunity.this site is a 7 because we wont know when this is going to happen or if it will work for small businesses.
by Kaila Jeffries
http://www.sba.gov/recovery/
contact information:US Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, SW
Washington, DC 20416
the score that i give is a 9 because me need to start addressing our natural resources because we are running out of water as our population expands.it would also help the economy because it will create over thousands of jobs.the EPA plan will also reduce diesel emissions.
ReplyDeleteThe department of housing and urban developement (HUD) is an act to try and save a bunch of jobes and boost our economy. This act will try to jumstart our economic troubles back to normall or better. This act was signed by Obama this year on Feb. 17.
ReplyDeleteThis act is suggested to do the following:
Modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
i have the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. they've signed a law presented by president obama Feb, 17, 2009. their going to use their money to save or create millions of jobs in the U.S. the importance of this is so that we don't suffer another great depression era. i give this a 7 out of 10
ReplyDeletebig rob #72 i'm out!
Today, I was given the department of National Science Foundation (NSF)
ReplyDeleteThe department of National Science Foundation, basically is stating/meaning that it is an effort for our economy because it is basically creating and saving more than millions of jobs and careers. The link related to the department of National Science of Foundation is...
http://www.nsf.gov/recovery/
contact information:
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 292-5111
FIRS: (800) 877-8339
TDD: (703) 292-5090 or (800) 281-8749
I rate this Transparency a most likely a 7, because it is trying to save many careers and jobs.
*Sonia Barrios*
*block #3*
CAYLYN RAMSAMY-
ReplyDeletethe US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR(DOI) is basically about the conservation of America. Everything that has to do with America; its history, heritage, culture, natural resources, wildlife, etc. is up to the DOI to protect and conserve it for future generations!!!!
Department of Labor:
ReplyDeleteThey are enforcing around 180 laws. It will also implement many work activities for 10 million employers and 125 million workers. This is all about the jobs and working industry. IT will change the wage for hourly and full time employees. This will definitely help the economy get a jump start for the further years.
U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Ave., NW,
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)
my topic is SSA social security administration:
ReplyDeleteThe social security administration (SSA) is related to the economic recovery act of 2009.It was signed and into law February 17th 2009. It is an effort to jump start out economy, create more jobs for the unemployed,and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges. The responsibilities under this act our, issuing a one-time payment of $250 to nearly 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. Ate expecting the payments by late may 2009.They will report weekly through may 12 2009 on the status of the recovery act.If i had to rate this information i would rate it a 5 because it talks about social security, and so all of us our safe and all of our money is to.
Contact person:Frank Biro
Contact info:(410)996-7403
website: www.socialsecurity.gov.
Cassie Herdt
Block 3
Department of Defense
ReplyDeleteThe Department of Defense is going to boost up the defense security by spending up to $7.4 billion on defense. The DOD is working with the Navy,Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army to agree and come up with plan that can help them and us.The department of defense is really sure of what is going to result if this plan keeps in good shape.
Veronica Hurtado
Sequoia Howard/Block 3
ReplyDeleteI was assigned the Department of Commerce. I learned that the department of commerce is receiving 7.9 billion for the Recovery Act to create more U.S jobs, and economic growth. The Department of Commerce is using the money for programs such as the U.S Census Bureau, Economic Department of Administration, NIST, NOAA, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The transparency was great I rate it an 8. There was a lot of information to read; The website was pretty organized.
Office of Public Affairs
202-482-4883
CAYLYN RAMSAMY-
ReplyDeletethe US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR(DOI) is basically about the conservation of America. Everything that has to do with America; its history, heritage, culture, natural resources, wildlife, etc. is up to the DOI to protect and conserve it for future generations!!!!
i give it a 9 because all the info was there and clear.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Budget and Performance Portal
http://www.doi.gov/bpp
Robert_Tettelbach@ios.doi.gov
anthony symonds
ReplyDeletedepartment of state
This agency researches and writes historical studies. The office also recommendations regarding the identification, maintenance and long term preservation of historical document.
10 because it doesnt cost alot.
submiter name Patrick F. Kennedy no contact
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/120160.pdf
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
ReplyDeleteNASA purpose is the responsibly for the nation public space program. It also responsible for civilian and military aerospace research, like new generation of space craft and military launch vehicles. The services it provides range from private satellite launches for companies like ((XM)) to military spy satellites. But most recently the search for life on other planets. AS for how transparent it website is it show how much was given to them by the US government aprox. 1 billion, and where they are spending it, I give it a 7. This is because even though they gave what their spending, and to what they don't say what guide lines they were given by the government, if any. An their is no clear contact number for changes.
Victor Bonilla
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
ReplyDeleteThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is an attempt to help the economy, save jobs and make the country safer and more secure. With this Act people will be able to know how their tax dollars are being spent. It allows a high level of transparency and accountability.
The Agency plans can be found here http://www.dhs.gov/xopnbiz/recovery.shtm
I would give this site an 8. It was very specific in telling where the money is going.
Department of Homeland Security
Attn: Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Drive, SW, Bldg 410
Washington, D.C. 20538
(202) 254-4100 / Fax: (202) 254-4285
~Maria Batacan
I do the department of education.This plan is really cool and positive. Not only does it encourages the development of education, but it also clearly mentions about how and where the money is used.This plan is both helping state and local goverment avert budget cut and is expected to create jobs by construction and improve the scientific research.
ReplyDeleteLink: http://www.progressivestates.org/stimulus
I grade it 9 beacause it's so smart when it reveals a good way to connect many different parts of the recovery packet.
Contact: stimulus@progressivestates.org
Hoaihuong Ngo, Block 4
My topic is the Smithsonian Institution. This recovery is basic on the action of recovery provides supplemental appropriations to improve the Nation's infrastructure and stimulate the U.S. economy . The Recovery Act gave out to the Smithsonian Institution $25 million for the heighten and recovery of existing facilities. I would give the weekly report on the grade of 5, because they only have one date on the chart. Here is the contact person and his e-mail: Ken Johnson, johnsonkf@si.edu.
ReplyDeleteMinyi Huang
Block 1
Gurpreet Singh
ReplyDeleteThe darpartment of education is dedicated to help advancing schhols and education.40 billion dollars are going towards for helping avert education cuts, and advancing education.5 billion dollars are in grant money, and another 5 billion in early childhood advancements. 30.8 billion are going towards colleges, and another 33.6 billion are going towards school modernization. I wouldgive this a trancparency score of 9.
Amber Wilhelm
ReplyDeleteBlock 4
The Department of Education's main objective is to keep schools updated and constantly preparing students for jobs that are constantly changing as our country grows and changes. The section of their site that contains information on ensuring transparency can be found here. I would rate it a 7/10. The information is definitely there, and once you find it, it's clear and precise, but finding the information isn't as simple as it could be and I had to go through several links to even figure out what I was looking at. The person to contact about the site is Kirk Winters who can be reached at 202-401-3540 or Kirk.Winters@ed.gov
The Department of Labor was signed by the President Obama to save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. Unlike the great depression, the act is an extraordinary response to a crisis and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
ReplyDeleteI would rate it 7/10 because it's going to save millions of jobs and expanding educational opportunities and so on.
http://www.dol.gov/recovery/2009/03/03/weekly/DOL_Weekly_Report_03032009.pdf
Ye Aung
Block 4
The Department of Treasury is the attempt to jumpstart the economy by returning money to the hands of about 95% of American workders, and encouraging new job-creating investments by businesses large and small. It was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and signed into law by President Obama. I think that individual tax breaks are the fastest way to move cash into the hands of consumers. It also is an attempt to relief business tax to create jobs and investment.
ReplyDeleteI give it a 9 out of 10 because not only it is trying to save the middle class workers, it is also trying to save the business that put the money into the middle class workers' hands.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in my opinion, will help strengthen our economy. With the help of keeping jobs around and creating new ones that will keep more middle class people on their feet. The middle class make up most of our population and with them out of work and struggling the US cant regain strength. In the way of schools, this act will help keep teachers from losing their jobs. It will also make it so the students that are still in school wont have a loss of education despite economic crisis.
ReplyDeleteBrittney Killeen
Block 4