Just in case you did not hear the obvious, President-elect Barack Obama declared that the national economy was “bad and getting worse” as he began crisis talks this week with congressional leaders on emergency action.

Though Obama did not disclose his entire proposed stimulus package, there is belief that a provision in it would award a one-year tax credit to companies that hire new workers, and would provide other incentives for business investment in new equipment. Details will be revealed soon enough, but the industry is looking for more incentives regarding the purchase of more energy-efficient HVACR systems. This would be a big boost for the industry, that’s for sure.

According to Associated Press reports, Obama's proposal to stimulate the economy includes tax cuts of up to $300 billion, including $500 tax cuts for most workers and $1,000 for couples, as well as more than $100 billion for businesses. The total value of the tax cuts would be significantly higher than had been signaled earlier. New federal spending, also aimed at boosting the tight economy, could push the overall package to the range of $800 billion or so.

According to most reports, the tax cuts for individuals and couples would be similar to the rebate checks sent out last year by the Bush administration and Congress in a bid at that time to boost the slowing economy. A key difference, however, is that the tax cuts this time around may be awarded through withholding less from worker paychecks. That provision would cost about $140-150 billion over two years, according to reports.

For businesses, Obama’s plan would also allow firms incurring losses last year to take a credit against profits dating back five years instead of the two years currently allowed. This is good news for the contractor-owner, right?

It should be interesting to see what unfolds after Obama takes office on Jan. 20. Here’s hoping the HVACR industry is not left in the cold in the new president’s term.

As an Illinois resident, I know that thanks to a one stellar Rod Blagojevich, it’s been embarrassing living in the Land of Lincoln.

If you have not kept pace with current events, know that Illinois governor Blagojevich was charged with corruption, including trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat. This is all according to federal prosecutors, who said the governor had put up a “for sale” sign on his administration.

Just as stupid, Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, are also accused of threatening to withhold state assistance to now-bankrupt Tribune Co., publisher of the Chicago Tribune, in connection with that company’s sale of its Wrigley Field ballpark. The two apparently sought to force the firing of editors who were critical of Blagojevich.

Guess Mr. Wonderful will get his day in court, but the breadth of corruption laid out in the charges is staggering.

Just when I thought things could not get worse, out pops a recent CBS 2 Chicago report which uncovered a technical training school (which shall remain anonymous) that has received thousands of dollars from students but failed to live up to their expectations. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Pam Zekman revealed that this technical school, which has two campuses in Illinois, promised their students a 99 percent job placement rate but has not delivered.

According to the CBS 2 investigation revealed in their Website article “2 Investigation Uncovers School Scam” and their televised report “The Unemployment Trap,” students from this technical school received inadequate training with less-than-adequate hands-on experience. In her report, Zekman noted that if an HVAC service tech has not received the proper training, the results could be disaster.

And, she’s right. If a boiler is not properly inspected or installed, there could be death by carbon monoxide or an explosion.

“We applaud Pam Zekman and CBS 2 Chicago for bringing this important concern to the public’s attention,” said Stephen L. Lamb, executive vice president of MCA Chicago. “During this time of economic hardships, people need to be sure they are on the right track for their career training, so they can look forward to a more secure financial future.”

All I can say is that 2008 is definitely not ending on a high note. In a few days a new year arrives. Here’s hoping that all this economic and political craziness will subside in 2009. If not, it’s going to be a looooong year.

According to a national survey, America’s current financial slowdown could threaten to put the push for green on the back burner. The CMO Survey, recently released by Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, states that “As the economy tightens, marketers report that their firms have a weaker emphasis on ‘marketing that is beneficial for society’ and that ‘minimizes the impact on the ecological environment.’”

In the case of green products, a financial slowdown could shift the priorities of consumers, causing them to switch to less expensive brands that are not green. That’s the overall fear, since the majority of the public believes going green means spending more. That is the perception, though not necessarily accurate.

The study “Costing Green: A Comprehensive Cost Database and Budgeting Methodology” compared the square-foot construction costs of 61 buildings pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to those of similar buildings without green goals. Taking into consideration climate, location, and other variables, the study determined that for many of the sustainable projects, aiming for LEED certification resulted in little or no impact on the budget.

It is a matter of convincing the public accordingly. Dan Bulley, senior vice president of the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago and executive director of the Green Construction Institute, is at least one soul trying to get the word out.

“Green buildings require intensive planning to ensure optimal results,” he assured, “but that additional effort is worth it, when you consider that operating costs will be substantially reduced for the life of the facility.”