Bush funeral could set taxpayers back a half-billion dollars

[mystery-ak]

Bush funeral could set taxpayers back a half-billion dollars
by Alana Goodman
 | December 06, 2018 12:00 AM



The late President George H.W. Bush’s funeral service and related ceremonies could cost American taxpayers around a half-billion dollars in lost productivity and wages for federal workers and other expenses.

Bush, who passed away on Nov. 30 at age 94, will be laid to rest on Thursday at his presidential library in College Station, Texas.

Following tradition for presidential funerals, the federal government shut down on Wednesday and the 41st president’s casket was transported across the country on Air Force One for a public viewing in Washington, D.C.

The paid holiday for federal workers — including Congress and the U.S. Postal Service — could cost taxpayers upwards of $450 million, according to estimates.

A 2008 analysis by the National Taxpayers Union found that federal holidays cost taxpayers around $450 million per day in holiday pay and lost labor. That figure is based on 2004 U.S. economic data. The figure is not adjusted for inflation, and federal salaries and the federal workforce have grown since then, making it almost certain the estimate is low.

Presidential funerals — which take years of government planning — are traditionally expensive affairs.

more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/bush-funeral-could-set-taxpayers-back-a-half-billion-dollars

[jmyrlefuller]

A 2008 analysis by the National Taxpayers Union found that federal holidays cost taxpayers around $450 million per day in holiday pay and lost labor

So what is the author trying to say here? Get rid of all holidays?

The big-box stores would LOVE that.

[kidd]

$450,000,000 / 350,000,000 people = $1.29 per person for a once-in-eight-years event

The next two ex-POTUSs to go are Carter and Clinton. Lets see if anyone is worried about 16 cents when a democrat passes away

[Frank Cannon]

Can someone tell me why we started these absurd Communist dictator style funerals for has been politicians? I could see if it was a sitting President getting all this pomp and circumstance, but this shit is out of control with a guy who has been out of office for 30 years. The family should have had their funeral in Texas and been done with it.

Enough with politicians being treated like an elite class.

[mystery-ak]

Can someone tell me why we started these absurd Communist dictator style funerals for has been politicians? I could see if it was a sitting President getting all this pomp and circumstance, but this shit is out of control with a guy who has been out of office for 30 years. The family should have had their funeral in Texas and been done with it.

Enough with politicians being treated like an elite class.

Did this start with Lincoln?

I do agree..3 days is too much..I can't imagine what Clinton's is going to be like..

[skeeter]

Did this start with Lincoln?

I do agree..3 days is too much..I can't imagine what Clinton's is going to be like..

I agree as well. No disrespect intended but this whole thing has been out of proportion to the event.

[Frank Cannon]

Did this start with Lincoln?

I do agree..3 days is too much..I can't imagine what Clinton's is going to be like..

Lincoln and Kennedy were assassinated. A couple others died in office too like Roosevelt. They were active Presidents. We didn't have this for Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Hoover though. I think Reagan is the first to have one of these multi state train wrecks.

Funerals are for the family and loved ones. Not some excuse to party for the ruling class on the taxpayers dime.

[Right_in_Virginia]

State funerals should be reserved for Presidents (only) who die in office ... naturally or by assassination.

Former presidents should not be carted across county to DC and back home again, each stop with full military honors and a marching band.  No day of mourning.   You die as private citizen, you are buried as one.  Period.

[Wingnut]

State funerals should be reserved for Presidents (only) who die in office ... naturally or by assassination.

Former presidents should not be carted across county to DC and back home again, each stop with full military honors and a marching band.  No day of mourning.   You die as private citizen, you are buried as one.  Period.

Absolutely.  Amen. End of story.

[Frank Cannon]

State funerals should be reserved for Presidents (only) who die in office ... naturally or by assassination.

Former presidents should not be carted across county to DC and back home again, each stop with full military honors and a marching band.  No day of mourning.   You die as private citizen, you are buried as one.  Period.

Exactly. This guy was so disliked by the American public that he was rejected for reelection, but now we are shutting the Postal Service down for a day because he died? Insanity.