Problems are for Solving

I recently wrote about a letter coming out (at a cost of 42 million taxpayer dollars) to tell us about a check that might be coming.

I have in front of me a copy of that letter.

First, it’s confusing as to who is getting what. Not surprising to you, I’m sure. The really great part is the last paragraph:

All individuals receiving payments will receive a notice and additional information shortly before the payment is made.

So, at great taxpayer expense, there will be another letter later that will actually tell people about the money that will actually coming after the letter.

Oh I feel so much better.

I’m playing around with themes today (and maybe tomorrow) trying to find something I like a little better. I’m liking the 3 column look, but I’m not sure about the dark theme–I’m used to my white background. I haven’t found a lighter one yet that I like though. Let me know what you think.

Saturday night Seth and Crystal and my dear wife and I spontaneously dropped out for a drink. I’d found out about a week ago about Water Street Wines, Cafe and Coffee from another local blog.

The place is in the former Big Easy Cafe location, around the corner from Rhodell’s and next to Rizzi’s on State, across the way from WTVP. It’s owned by the same owners as the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, and should be a good investment for them to get their wines better known in the area. Between us all we tried seven different wines, and TC and I left with a bottle of Alexander’s Conquest, a lovely full-bodied red that I’m looking forward to popping open the next time we have a heavy beef meal. We also shared a piece of their Italian Cream Cake that was just fantastic to eat, especially on the heels of the flight of white wines, before starting into the reds. Seth and Crystal had a scone and I heard no complaints.

Because we were the only table there for a while, the manager spent a good deal of time talking with us and we got the whole story. The place hasn’t been opened long, and I’m pretty sure we’ll become regulars there before too long. Like many of the places on the river, they’ve used the warehouse architecture for their benefit, rather than covering up what used to be there. They have a couple of private rooms that could be used for meetings or parties (small ones). I’ve added them to my Peoria Links section of the sidebar and we will certainly be back!

Dear Taxpayer: This letter cost you $42 million - USATODAY.com
At a cost of nearly $42 million, the IRS wants you to know: Your check is almost in the mail.

The Internal Revenue Service is spending the money on letters to alert taxpayers to expect rebate checks as part of the economic stimulus plan.

It’s not enough that they’re printing money out of thin air, a hidden tax that few even notice (inflation). It’s not enough that they’re trying to put a band-aid on an economy that can only be propped up so long. Nope. The federal government has to spend an additional $42M to send a letter telling us that they’re sending a check later. Why? So we can feel good about all the government we’re getting.

Maybe we’ll get the letter in time for Tax Freedom Day.

HatTip: Foundation for Economic Education