The National Priorities Project has updated its numbers showing the costs of the Iraq War to local communities based on the recently passed supplemental budget package passed to fund the war through 2009. As of today, the Iraq War has cost Michigan $17.4 billion dollars with the city of Grand Rapids' share of the cost coming to $343.5 million. Grand Rapids share could have paid for:
* 129,169 People with Health Care for One Year OR
* 482,827 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year OR
* 7,129 Public Safety Officers for One year OR
* 6,218 Music and Arts Teachers for One Year OR
* 35,329 Scholarships for University Students for One Year OR
* 2,769 Affordable Housing Units OR
* 256,882 Children with Health Care for One Year OR
* 51,933 Head Start Places for Children for One Year OR
* 4,853 Elementary School Teachers for One Year OR
* 5,011 Port Container Inspectors for One Year
