Heading out to Washington.

I’m headed to Washington and the Capital region next week and that stimulates the public policy part of my brain.

The election is approaching and logic suggests that our elected officials would put aside their plundering instincts and at least talk about helping the economy. While we’re generally better off when Congress talks, but fails to actually do something, in this case the economy is losing momentum and needs help.

The economy is going to struggle until the housing market recovers, and perhaps the most efficient stimulus would be to restore the tax credit for first time home buyers. This time they should add a little added incentive by offering a second tax credit or deduction for upgrades, energy efficiency and furnishings.