Federal government hiring a clown? Do tell…

The GSA, an agency that “develops government-wide cost-minimizing policies”, may need to improve performance a bit. A GSA Vegas party hit taxpayers with a bill of $820,000. The training conference in 2010 was held near Vegas, at the M Resort Spa and Casino, with 300 federal employees attending.

There was food, drink, entertainment, and much more at the event. There was singing and dancing. There were tuxedos.

One certain official is demanding an investigation, and called the expenses “outrageous” but said it’s “just the tip of the iceberg.” This is to be sure.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid said that an investigation isn’t necessary. Is this more revenue for the state of Nevada?

The extravagant party tapped out over three quarters of a million dollars. Here are just a few of those items:

  • $3,200 for a mind reader and a clown
  • $12,000 on a commemerative coin display
  • $75,000 on a team building exercise to construct a bicycle
  • $8,000 on a yearbook
  • $30,000 for catering
  • $12,000 for organization to locate the venue
  • $31,000 on a networking reception
  • $7,000 for sushi
  • $3,700 for T-shirts