Last modified: Monday, October 6, 2008 10:27 AM PDT Residents express doubt about bailout By Katie Pizza Argus Observer Ontario—A number of area residents interviewed Friday on the streets of Ontario expressed nearly unanimous disapproval of the $700 billion Congressional financial bailout. Many, including several who did not wish to divulge their names, said the funding bailout package hurt, rather than helped the nation. Local resident Jose Schmerber expressed a succinct opinion when asked if the bailout plan was a good idea. “Heck no,” Jose Schmerber said. “Because we need to put more money towards our schools.” Ontario resident Aaron Ballou also believed the funds were misdirected. “I think the money can be used for better things,” he said. “Like education, war vets, helping senior citizens and low-income  housing people. I feel our veteran’s aren’t getting treated properly.” The United States House of Representatives voted 263 to 171 to pass the bill Friday. The legislation allows the treasury to buy $700 billion in bank assets, with $250 billion available immediately. While the funding measure is designed to help out the struggling American financial industry but the bill is also loaded with plenty of other perks, including $5 billion for higher education tuition deductions and $400 million in deductions for teachers who buy school supplies with their own money. The bill also clears the way for  $110 billion dollars in various other tax breaks. Other items of interest in the bill include: Funneling $478 million to filmmakers and producers who produce their movies and television shows in economically depressed areas; $758 million in electric car tax credits; $100 million to help pay for NASCAR and other motorsport racing facilities depreciation; $2 million in tax-exemptions for employers who give fringe benefits to workers who bicycle to work; $49 million in damage awards for people hurt by the 1966 Exxon-Valdez oil spill and $2 million exempting children’s wooden practice arrows from being taxed. “I don’t think they deserve any of that stuff,” one resident, who wished not to be identified, said. However, another woman who also declined to be named, said she believed the bailout was a good idea. “I think our country needs it,” she said. “Because if we don’t, it’s going to hurt small business.” Area resident Irma Ramos expressed the same viewpoint. “I think it’s bad,” she said. “It’s not right. Why do they need to spend all the friggin’ money?”A Fruitland resident was also concerned. “It’s not good,” Marilyn Ohler said.