Regarding the Jan. 28 article "Extra budget with cash handouts passed": Considering the cost of collecting all of this cash from taxpayers combined with the cost of redistributing all of it back to taxpayers, I seriously question the thought processes that went into passing the program.

Such a reckless way of handling taxpayer money only shows a lack of common sense and a gross inability to properly manage public funds. Why not use these funds to invest in infrastructure such as toll-free expressways? Imagine the savings in not having to fund the manpower and maintenance for each toll booth. Imagine the increase in the flow of money when citizens and businesses alike can adjust their spending on tolls toward more efficient uses. This is Economics 101, folks.

stephen mendenhall