I was disappointed to read the June 29 news story, “Bill a boon to Nebraska, iowa.” There is an ongoing debate about congressional earmarks. Some people think they help a region, while many of us recognize them as “pork” used to buy votes.

The money doesn’t just appear. It comes from the pockets of taxpayers. How much more than the $2.8 million “boon” will it cost us to receive it if the Senate bill is enacted?

Meanwhile, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., is proud of returning part of what we have had to pay in taxes.

The recipients are worthy but would be better served by private fundraising rather than a federal handout, probably with political strings attached.

What about other worthy projects that were overlooked or didn’t contribute enough to politicial campaingns?

Bruce Workman, Omaha