Peanuts vs. People

Page 210, Georgia Budget FY2009 - "Funding for an Entomologist Position and Peanut Entomologist position - $250,000"

Peanuts & their bugs - $250,000
Grady Hospital patients & their bugs - $0

Atlantans reimbursed if this earmark is canceled: 500

Sports vs. Arts

I knew that the Tour de Georgia had been cancelled for lack of sponsors; I didn't know that the State of Georgia Department of Economic Development was one of those sponsors!

Page 108, Georgia Budget FY2009 - "Delete one-time funds for Tour de Georgia ($400,000)"

Page 274, Georgia Budget FY2009 - "Assist with funding of the arts for National Black Arts Festival $50,000"

The Legislature saveth and the Legislature giveth away.

Tour de Georgia - $0
National Black Arts Festival - $50,000

Atlantans reimbursed if this earmark is canceled: 100

Trains vs. MARTA

I actually enjoy reading through the state budget, especially it's earmarks. I didn't find any money on the scale of a "Bridge to Nowhere", but they do add up:

Page 273, Georgia Budget FY2009 - "Warren County - Build a train garden outside the ... depot - $25,000"

To be fair, I don't know if the emphasis for this welcoming center project is on the "train" or the "garden".

Toy Train - $25,000
MARTA - $0

Atlantans reimbursed if this earmark is canceled - 50