Feb 14, 2008 -
While the idea of an economic stimulus package was introduced last month, the bill was just given the final sign-off yesterday by President Bush. He's calling the $168 billion package a "booster shot for our economy" and the bill includes rebates for individuals and tax breaks for businesses to promote spending by all. The checks will start going out in May but you have to file your 2007 tax return before you get the check.
- 22 Comments
Jan 21, 2008 -
President Bush is pushing an economic stimulus package sized from $140 billion to $150 billion, which may mean a rebate check will be headed for your mailbox. The White House is considering rebates of up to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for married couples. A similar package was rolled out in 2001 and checks were issued in sums of $300 or $600.
- 24 Comments
Mar 05, 2008 -
You all have had mixed feelings about the tax rebate check that's part of the $168 billion economic stimulus package. Many of you will be receiving the check this summer, but you've also shared your disbelief that the rebate checks will actually stimulate the economy enough to make a difference. In fact, some of you think it's going to do more harm than good.
- 23 Comments
Jan 18, 2008 -
In a speech from the White House this morning, President Bush proposed $145 billion in tax relief. According to insiders, individuals might receive rebates of $800 and families, $1600. This proposal follows Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony yesterday, calling for temporary measures to stimulate the economy.
- 17 Comments
Jan 24, 2008 -
Repeating ad nauseam that the $150 billion economic stimulus package was aimed at "middle income" Americans, Congress and Secretary Paulson announced their proposed stimulus package this morning.
Pelosi said it was created to "strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and turn the economy around." To do this, Pelosi said, "we need to get the money to those who will spend it immediately."
- 23 Comments
Feb 24, 2009 -
Tonight Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and an even more important audience — the American people. Since it was technically not a "state of the union" address, I think it's safe to call the speech the "state of the economy" address.
Hoping to turn the page on tough economic times, the president read the country a litany of reasons for the crisis.
- 40 Comments
Feb 06, 2009 -
- The US unemployment rate jumped to 7.6 percent, after 598,000 jobs were lost in January. — New York Times
- The Senate worked into the night Thursday but failed to vote on the stimulus package. — CNN
- President Obama will name a panel of independent economic advisers that will offer their outside advice to the White House.
- 18 Comments
Jul 17, 2008 -
Much to nobody's surprise, the rebate checks issued as part of this year's economic stimulus package haven't done enough to boost our economy thus far. In fact, economists are wondering if another round would prevent our economy from falling apart entirely. Strong words?
- 31 Comments
Jan 28, 2009 -
President Obama paid a visit to House and Senate Republicans yesterday, trying to shore up support for the $825 billion economic stimulus bill. While the GOP has continued to express concern about the size of the package and a desire for more tax cuts, the President has shown a willingness to adapt, urging Democrats to cut $200 million for family planning.
Obama maintains that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which includes $550 billion in spending and $275 billion in tax cuts, will jump-start the economy while also investing in strategic long-term goals.
- 96 Comments
Jan 05, 2009 -
- Michelle Obama walked her daughters alongside full security detail to their first day at Sidwell Friends School in Bethesda, MD, this morning, making the family's move to DC official. — AP
- Residents in Gaza are saying they doubt rocket fire can be stopped. Thousands of Israeli troops battled Hamas fighters Sunday while Israeli warplanes, helicopters, and drones bombarded targets from above for the 10th day.
- 22 Comments