$35 billion for aerial fueling tankers: Thank you, U.S. taxpayer.

Said a senator from the state that won the contract: “a major victory for the American workers, the American aerospace industry and America’s military.”

Meanwhile:
KITTERY, Maine — The Kittery School Department's budget shortfall of $608,416 for fiscal year 2012 could result in the loss of nine staff positions, the end of field trips, and curtailment of equipment and supply accounts across the board. The proposed cuts include the following:

• Elimination of nine staff positions, including a world language teacher shared by Shapleigh and Traip, a guidance counselor at Traip, a science teacher at Traip, a special education teacher (position will not be filled), three special education technicians, a maintenance worker, the health coordinator position and a library education technician.
• Reductions in all supply and equipment accounts, including a 50 percent reduction in the athletics account, a 75 percent reduction in the central office account, 12-18 percent reductions in the individual school accounts, as well as reductions in the special education, maintenance, curriculum and technology accounts.
• Elimination of all field trips, to save $20,300.