The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "pork-barrel funds" ...
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Earmarks To Nowhere
Just when you thought you had read every outrageous story about congressional pork, last year USA TODAY revealed $13 billion in "orphan earmarks"- highway spending directed to pet projects but never spent. For states, this uncooked pork came at a tremendous cost: almost $7.5 billion of the earmarked money was taken directly out of the state's direct highway funding- meaning states literally lost billions they could have spent to improve or build bridges and highways.
Tags: pork barreling; earmarks; highway; money; orphan earmarks
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Pigging Out
A National Journal investigation looks at the new developments in the "age-old practice of lawmakers pledging their support for key legislation in exchange for federally funded projects in their districts." The tradition, known as "pork barrel spending," isn't likely to die, even though Republicans who seized Congress in 1994 wouldn't put up with it, the magazine reports. The story reveals that most GOP revolutionaries have been trying to steer money for roads and bridges toward their districts in exchange for supporting the new transportation bill. The article provides insight on how funding for infrastructure has changed over the years.
Tags: transportation; lawmakers; politicians; GOP; Republicans; Democrats; pet projects; highways; gas tax; federal funds
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Congress Gives Colleges a Billion-Dollar Bonanza
"The project examined pork-barrel funds steered to specific colleges and universities by Congress for the 2000 fiscal year. Our analysis found that Congress directed government agencies to spend $1.044 billion for such projects, a record amount . . . Although these projects- known as "directed appropriations" or "earmarks"- are increasingly common, some government officials and scholars say that most of them offer little value." Critics claim that "by giving money to specific home-state institutions rather than federal programs that award grants based on scientific merit and competition, lawmakers waste money and neglect critical research needs."
Tags: colleges; funding; earmarking; pork-barrel funds
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No title (id: 7353)
Detroit News uncovers the financial abuses of senior state Sen. Joe Mack that led to his resignation; documents slush funds used by legislators to funnel millions of dollars to pet pork barrel projects, February - September 1990.
Tags: Freedman