"Cash for Caulkers"

You may have heard about the so-called "Cash for Caulkers" program that is being discussed in Washington now. Though no details have yet been released, it's supposed to give rebates of up to $12,000 to homeowners who make enrgy efficiency upgrades.

I'd love to get some free money and make my home more efficient, but I'm not sure this is the best thing to do right now- asking people to spend money that is not theirs so that a few sectors really reap the financial rewards. Not everyone in the country is a homeowner, but everyone in the country could actually benefit from the upgrades. So I'm undecided. I'll have to see what the details are before deciding if this a smart move and if I can take advantage of it.

I've already read some comments from people hoping that this would be retroactive- because what about the people who got that new roof or new windows last year, and struggled to do so?