The question all Americans want to know is whether they will receive a late Christmas present this year in the form of a 2nd economic stimulus check.
In 2008 the government sent out economic stimulus checks to 130 million Americans with the idea that this money would be spent on consumer goods and services thereby stimulating the economy. While the program was considered a success by some – it didn’t prevent the economy from slowing down into a recession with the possibility of a depression.
President-elect Obama has proposed an economic stimulus package for 2009 which will total almost 1 trillion dollars – or about $3300 for every single American.
Second economic stimulus check
So far there has been no mention of any stimulus checks (like in 2008) however that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Nothing has been approved or finalized so it is still possible. If a second economic stimulus check is going to happen in 2009 it would be more likely to appear later in the year if it looks like the initial stimulus efforts are not doing enough to get the economy going.
Stimulus tax cuts
Obama has proposed stimulus tax cuts of $1,000 for couples and $500 for individuals. If this passes, it might be the closest thing to an actual stimulus check that most Americans will receive in 2009. This kind of stimulus is not as much fun as getting a large check all at once since it would take the form of reduced withholding taxes on regular paychecks. However, in the end – extra money is extra money.
Emergency Energy rebate
One of the more controversial initiatives is an energy relief plan to help Americans pay their energy bills this winter. The $1,000 emergency energy rebate would be given directly to Americans and would be paid for by windfall profit taxes on the large oil companies.
This particular initiative might not have much of a chance given that with the rapidly dropping price of oil, home heating costs are going to be a lot lower than initially predicted as recently as a couple of months ago.
Infrastructure stimulus spending
The Obama stimulus plan is calling for a huge investment in roads and bridges and mass transit improvements. This will total $850 billion over 2 years. This portion of the plan is the main driver behind the goal to create 2.5 million jobs over 2 years.
$250 stimulus check for select groups
There will be a $250 stimulus check for select groups.
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I think we should be given another stimulus check before the end of November. With the economy the way it is, I will not be able to afford a christmas for my children. The money we received last year was a god send. I understand that we are receiving a tax break on our paychecks, but that just isn’t enough. There is enough money to give to the people who are on welfare and unemployment, but what about those of us who are single parents living with one income. I bust my butt working everyday to try and keep a roof over my kids heads. Banks and car dealerships are being bailed out. Why can’t I be bailed out also. Everything is going up except my paychecks.
The stimulus money should have been paid to every US citizen, not companies. If we believe in free markets and capitalism let it stand on its own bad investments should fail and the greedy people who invested take the loss, who is helping us. A bunch of wall street fat cats and executives who are overpaid were saved Yeah!
It is most unfortunate that people that need no help complain about the president’s healthcare bill, energy bill, etc. I have been gainfully enployed my adult life, and had multiple illnesses that has cost me lost of health insurance and I fall between the cracks for receiving any assistance for most of the programs in my state. I am uninsurable for these pre-existing health issues. I feel that the system has let people like me in similar conditions down. I paid taxes, am a citizen in good standing, and there is no help when I need it. I am losing my home, car, cannot afford the medicines I need to stay stable and perform a normal life as my health permits. This is not what I felt my country would allow to happen to its citizens. More money is spent on citizens not of this country than here at home. This is pitiful that banks, and car industries can get finacial help before its citizens.
What ever happened to Love thy Neighbor??
We are all struggling in some way or another, it is TRUE the Rich are getting Richer and the Poor will always be Poor. We are a Nation of Recklessness and Hardship. Ive always believed in helping people that are less fortunate and have been unfortunate my self, but our Government seems to Focus more on other Countries then the one Country it should ( the USA) We are a Rich Country in MANY ways.
They say Love, Health and Happiness is all we need. We must stand together and remember We were all put here for a reason. Adam and Eve didn’t have money, they lived off the land and had Love. Now you MUST have MONEY to LIVE . If you cant work thats a terrible thing, but if you can then you should. Now days you have to have Diploma and other Degrees to have a good paying Job, and sometimes that don’t even matter. My Husband and I struggle every month, but we seem to manage and we are both on SSI. We dont borrow money and we try not to complain, there are people that are worse off then us.
I agree that a Simulas for 2010 would help in many ways, but remember there are less fortunate people out there that dont even have a Home or Food to Eat. The needs of the Americans should come first, our Children are our Future!!!!!!!!
Morning Jay, if you really want to kick the ball off, I suggest you give me a hand and put a push on COLA. This is my pet project I have started. I am putting a push on to get all Senior Citizens and Disabled Vets of America there COLA back in 2011. You are very young and probably don’t have a clue as to what has happend to us Seniors and Disabled Vets this year. So I will get you caught up. In 2008, we were notified that there would be NO COLA for Seniors and Disabled Vets for the year 2009. COLA is the cost of living adjustment and us old timers need this. In 2009, once again they told us there would be no COLA for us in the year 2010. That’s when they got my attention. You can ask any of us on The Four Pillars Sites about the COLA issue and Mr. Orlin E. (OLY) Olson and you will find out about me and my thoughts . The second thing to happen to us was we lost our $250.00 Stimulus Check. I am in the process of starting a New WEBSITE for all Senior Citizens and Disabled Vets to gather and get our voice out. I got your e-mail early this morning and I have been thinking of how I would approach you on this issue. The Stimulus Check Issue is over, done with and I hope you will take the matter of COLA seriously. The Senior Citizens and Disabled Vets like to gather at The Four Pillars Site to talk.
I await your response,
Mr. Orlin E. (OLY) Olson
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