WHO: U.S. Department of EducationWHAT: Lawmakers have secured nearly $2.3 billion in earmarks from the federal Department of Education. Such earmarks include $25,000 to a Las Vegas school district for a mariachi music program, $191,593 to Central Washington University for developing curriculum including studying local wines, $273,000 to lawmakers in Blue Springs, Mo., for the purpose of fighting Goth culture, $450,000 to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, $200,000 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and $400,000 to the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: In the words of Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma: “We’re in tough times and we’re still doing this kind of stupid stuff. Everybody’s thinking we have to raise taxes, the first thing we need to do is cut back waste.”
WHERE TO VENT: Call the Department of Education inspector general at 800-647-8733.
