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Vegas-based ‘party bus’ on list of ‘outrageous’ government spending

WASHINGTON — When compared to a $43 million gas station in Afghanistan or even a $1 million study of monkeys on a treadmill, an $11,305 Intercity Bus Security Grant might get lost in the debate over government spending.

But it was enough to make Las Vegas' Celebrity Coaches of America Inc. part of the No. 7 ranking in WASTEBOOK: The Farce Awakens.

Released recently by U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, the 2015 edition of the Arizona Republican's annual report contains "100 examples of egregious, outrageous, and unnecessary government spending."

Flake gave the "Monkeys on a Treadmill" study his No. 2 spot while "The World's Most Expensive Gas Station" came in at No. 12.

The grant for Celebrity Coaches was part of a Department of Homeland Security program that distributed $3 million nationwide in fiscal year 2015 to support transportation infrastructure activities and protect bus systems and their riders from terrorism.

According to DHS, the funds can be spent on activities such as bus security awareness, preparedness and response training, video surveillance equipment and other modifications to increase security on buses as well as government-owned terminals.

Dubbing the program "Party Bus," Flake noted the buses can be chartered for bachelor and bachelorette parties and also can be used for chauffeuring the affluent to playgrounds for the rich and famous.

His report focused on services to the Hamptons of New York but also included charter bus companies in Colorado and Wisconsin. Taxpayers, he said, are being taken for a ride.

"While DHS should provide expertise, guidance and recommendations to enhance security, it is not the responsibility of federal government to subsidize these select companies that are largely financially successful," the WASTEBOOK stated, citing a report that puts the charter bus industry's annual earnings at $6 billion.

"This program misses the bus and it's time to put the brakes on this corporate welfare."

Celebrity Coaches did not respond to a request for comment.

Taking the No. 80 ranking in Flake's report was a $1.25-million grant from the Economic Development Administration for construction and equipment acquisition for a cosmetology and barber training facility at Expertise Cosmetology Institute in Las Vegas.

Noting its objective of "get a haircut and get a real job," Flake's report questioned the need for the training facility and described its promises as "rather lofty," referring to the 17 existing cosmetology schools in the area.

The senator's book quoted the EDA announcement promising the project "will create more than 550 jobs" and a statement from Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who said he worked closely with the agency to obtain "this vital investment" for the economically distressed area of North Las Vegas.

"It will truly transform the economy of this region," Reid stated, describing the "foundation for economic success" the project, which totals $2 million, will bring.

Flake dismissed such "grand predictions" as "hot air" from politicians and bureaucrats.

In a statement, Reid's office again expressed support for the project and the jobs it will create in an economically distressed area.

"That is hardly considered a waste," the statement read. Gwen Braimoh, school director at Expertise, said the institute is the only nonprofit organization that trains cosmetology students in Nevada.

"For over 15 years, Expertise has trained individuals with a viable career in the beauty industry," Braimoh said. "Incidentally, the beauty industry is one of the most widely recognized industries in the world."

Braimoh added "it is an insult to degrade persons in the beauty industry who have made cosmetology and barbering their chosen careers," noting the millions of dollars they contribute to the global economy.

"To minimize careers in the beauty profession as merely needing "to get a job' is highly insulting," Braimoh said.

Contact Jim Myers at jmyers@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @myers_dc

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