Economic Stimulus 2009: A Priority for US President-Elect Obama

The goal of an economic stimulus check is to give money to individuals, who will then go out and spend the money. But how effective is a check to every American toward stimulating the economy?

Lame Duck Session

In the few remaining weeks of this Congressional session and the Bush Administration, under consideration is a $100 billion bill which would extend help to states that have cut spending, increase food stamps, and allow extra unemployment benefits (Uchitelle & Calmes, 2008).

Democratic congressional leaders suggest the passage of two bills, one in this lame duck session, and a second larger bill after the inauguration for $150-$200 billion (Lightman, 2008).

The Effectiveness of a Stimulus

According to the Economist, the $92 billion in tax rebates which Americans received in July led to a growth in consumer spending of 1.7%.

This growth took place even as consumers managed high gasoline prices, unemployment, and tightening credit.

Without the stimulus, consumer spending may not have grown at all (Economist, 2008).

Limitations of a Stimulus

Macroeconomic Advisers, an economic forecasting firm, estimates that consumers spend only 30% of their checks, applying the remainder to debt or savings.

Other options include investment in infrastructure (such as roads, bridges, tunnels, etc.), assistance to state and local governments who may have to cut services to balance their budgets, and direct help for Americans through extension of unemployment, heating assistance, and food stamps.

However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the money for infrastructure development is generally spent at a rate of less than 30% per year, and funds given to states may also be saved by those states.

Therefore, it may be as effective to increasing consumer spending to give funds directly to the individuals (Economist, 2008).

Obama’s Stance

Even before Barack Obama was elected president, he supported the proposed economic stimulus.

He has also suggested an “emergency energy rebate”, $500 to every worker or $1000 for every family, paid for by a tax on the oil companies.

As reported by the New York Times, the economic stimulus would require at least $200 billion dollars.

Obama’s representatives want the checks to arrive before tax returns are filed in April (Uchitelle & Calmes, 2008).

Conclusion

An economic stimulus appears likely, as it has the support of the president-elect and the outgoing and incoming Congress. If it can stimulate consumer spending as the July stimulus did, it may have its intended effect of helping to stave off further recession.

Update: Fixing the Problems of the BailoutFor Larry Summers' (director designate of the National Economic Council) perspective on fixing on the problem of the Bailout, visit this article.

Sources:

Lightman, D. (2008). Can a $100 Billion Stimulus Save a $14 Trillion Economy? McClatchy

Uchitelle, L., & Calmes, J. (2008, November 5th). A Towering Economic To-Do List for Obama.

Nov 9, 2008 8:48 PM

Guest :

Interesting article. I believe that some point transferring money to the people will be less effective. Were essentially spending now and delaying payment into the future through increasing the deficit. Where will that money come from? Taxes. So they're essentially just giving back some of the money we've already given in under the assumption that were going to pay for it later. Also, any consumption is smoothed, so our increased paychecks will not fully be spent. With talks of the worst to come, we might be saving even more than usual to protect ourselves. Nevertheless, I think were going into a big hole and should be spending this money while we desperately need it. GDP figures looked rather bleak last week and the unemployment numbers are somewhat unheard of since the 'great moderation'.
About the energy tax. Were not very sensitive to prices when it comes to oil (inelastic) which means that the buyers are going to pay for a majority of the tax. So you're going to raise the price of oil (raise the price paid by consumers, lower the net price received by sellers) and reduce quantity throughout the country. Im not so wild about this idea.

Nov 17, 2008 2:25 PM

Guest :

I totally agree with your statements. I also feel that consumers should also use the stimulus as a means to rise above a strenous sitation and not go out and spend it in a senseless manner such as going to the gambling casinos! For those individuals who's priorities are not intact before they receive the stimulus payments, it seems that it creates a situation where our economy would be going 2 steps forward and at the same time 3 steps back.

Nov 22, 2008 2:11 PM

Guest :

Well first I think every American can at least agree to this why not let your representive know raise your taxes to two more cents on the dollar any and everyone can agree this is a first step for all of us to take and will help all , its not much to ask for and everyone can afford , next lower the capital gains tax for everyone , don`t give into the auto makers tricks by pulling them out of what they themselves created, if they was so good in business the banks would be running to them for help., we are not dummies and I hope our government isnt either, let them go into chapter 11., your talking about our tax dollars,also pull our troops out of a war that is spending way to much of our money on , have Iraq give us back in oil what we have spent , then taxes the oil companies paid give it back to American citizens in stimulus checks and states money to help with schools and state jobs for those who need and training.,Our government needs to get some sense and think about america not what they can get out of it.Think , Think , Think, Don`t be dummies.1

Nov 24, 2008 12:22 PM

Guest :

Lower our freaking taxes. These stimilus checks, are nothing more than an overpayment of our taxes. The governement gives too much of "our tax money" to other countries. That is the main reason they have anything to do with us. Stop giving it out to people who hate us anyway. We should be more concerned with preserving our way of life and stop trying to preserve or create a new way of life for 3rd world countries. Total waste of tax monies, we all overpay here.

Nov 29, 2008 3:05 PM

Guest :

I believe that the stimulus check is a great idea because the world has it's turning points and right now it is turning. So to help cope with the economic down fall. The stimulus checks will definetly be needed and well appreciated.

Nov 30, 2008 8:24 PM

Guest :

vote for a real stimulus check $2500 per working american plus $1000 per child now before Christmas this will go right back into our economy...think about it move the money!!!

Dec 1, 2008 8:35 AM

Guest :

Instead of bailing out all of these mortgage companies and banks, why not put that money into the pockets of the American's and let us pay our mortgages and purchase items that we truly need. Why is it that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. My husband and I work full time but still we can hardly afford to heat our home and put food on the table. We do not go to food pantries or ask for other assistance because we know that there are many out there that have less than us. All that I am asking is put the American's first and these money hungry banks second.

Dec 2, 2008 4:56 PM

Guest :

i got 1,800.00 stimulus for my family when gas and groceries were going through the roof,it wasnt enough!!now i here they might do 500.00 for singles or 1000.00 for families!! in 2009,is that a joke?the 1,800.00 i got last time wasnt enough,why do they think giving half that is gonna help,needs to be 1,500.00 for singles and 3,400.00 to 3,600.00 for families with children,point blank!!walter,calhoun,ga.

Dec 4, 2008 7:57 PM

Guest :

Hi, im 22 yrs old, was jus recently laid off from work. My bfs work is talking about laying off..For others like us the stimulus check would help out tones!!

Dec 5, 2008 10:07 AM

Guest :

I truly believe that these big companies that are crying for money from the bailout Here should be the conditions: they should have to pay it back with high interest as they chage people with poor credit as they have now. I also think that there huge salaries in the excutive branch of their companies should have their salaries cut in half, and they would have to pay it back in a timely fashion.
NOW AS FOR THE TAX PAYING PDEOPLE we need a stimulus check I think it should be a flat $1000 for single people and a flat $2000 for married people, pluis last time I had a problem, my husband is disdabled but I work so we only really got the single money of $600 that's not fair, plus I had two dependents that were over 21 so I din't get a check for them either that's not fair please look into this and straighten this mess out.

Dec 5, 2008 12:46 PM

Guest :

Show me the money!!!!!!

Dec 6, 2008 8:28 AM

Guest :

i think its good and bad at the ame time just make sure that bush and his people have nothing to do with it god forbidd he jumps into this crap shoot well all be sorry

Dec 6, 2008 3:45 PM

Guest :

I was just laid off recently. PA Unemployment informed me that if I wait till JAN 4th, 2009 to open up the UC benefits I will receice TWICE the amount that I would right after I lost my job!
There should be new laws enforced about gliches like this. Therefore, I will have absolutely NO INCOME for a month and a half! Of course unemployment holds back a week, not good! I will only receive one lousy check the whole month of January!
This is an issue that also needs to be addressed!
I need the stimulus rebate NOW!

Dec 8, 2008 9:59 AM

Guest :

I think the stimulus payment will be great. If people will put the money back into the markets, the economy will pick back up. I was working as a Realtor but I had to give up on that profession because of the economy. Noone buying property and certainly nothing selling. I am one of thousands that lost a job because of the economy and it is hard to start over. There are no jobs anywhere. I have a 5 year old son and wondering what's next is always on my mind. Once the stimulus payment is passed and mailed, the future will be brighter.

Dec 10, 2008 5:20 AM

Guest :

i really feel like we all need some extra money the economy is so in a slump i never seen it like this before. im only 30 years old and im very scared about my future, and the future of my children. please give out those checks very soon not only for the sake of me and my children but for everyone and thier families.

Dec 10, 2008 7:36 AM

Guest :

If government is going to bail out the financial institutes and the jet-leasing auto industry, why can't they help out the normal citizen?

Dec 10, 2008 11:30 AM

Guest :

I don't know about anyone else, but $1000.00 is not really alot of money these days. If this is meant to jumpstart a declining economy, then the checks should have ben issued before the holiday shopping season began. Now don't get me wrong, I am grateful for Mr. Obama's concern over the state of the economy, but I think the timing is a little off. An extra $1000.00 to go x-mas shopping with would have been great for the economy. I was talking to a manger of a Best Buy stor in my area and he was saying that he didn't do half the business this year that he did last year. If half h families in the store would have had that stimulus check, that would have changed that situation for the better.

Dec 11, 2008 1:21 PM

Guest :

Even though Bush wasn't exactly the best President we have had... he certainly helped my family (with $) when we needed it. I hope the big "O" does the same~

Dec 11, 2008 8:50 PM

Guest :

Over the past year a lot of people felt the pinch of rising prices and have started using their credit cards more often than usual. I believe that if we get a stimulus check it should cover expenses we weren't able to afford in the first place and still have enough left over to actually put back into the economy. If the stimulus check is only $600 to $1200 (depending on status) it is more likely that the only people who will benefit from the stimulus check will be the credit card companies!

Dec 12, 2008 10:42 AM

Guest :

I believe if Obama really had passion for the American people he would want to give families ore than $1000 if this is really going to happen. He could give much more and save billons on bailouts. I have to have the money in my hand before I belive he is going to do anything.

Dec 12, 2008 4:42 PM

Guest :

I hope Obama does this. I know there are many people out there that need the help. Our goverment; of the people by the people and FOR the people. Hey Obama focus on the latter! Please. We are all in this together and we need a goverment that will put us the people of this great nation first. I want the big 3 to survive but I also want to feed my kids!

Dec 13, 2008 1:10 PM

Guest :

I beleave that this would be a great idea because it does help us out and most of the people do put it right back into the ecomny be it paying bills or buy ing clothes and food. I hope that we do get one.

Dec 14, 2008 11:28 AM

Guest :

I believe that had the government should have issued a payment just before the holidays, would have been the smartest thing in the world not only for us individuals but also for the economy in every area would have felt positive results.

Dec 16, 2008 10:43 AM

Guest :

Nowhere in the article does it say the stimulous check would only be $1000. It says Obama is looking at an energy rebate of that amount to be paid to working families by the oil companies. This is on top of the stimulous check. It doesn't say anywhere what the actual stimulous check amount would be.

Dec 16, 2008 6:47 PM

Guest :

I think that the elderly, young and the one's trying to have the American dream, need big monies to get things going. Not so much the ones whom got there selves in these binds. Why not put Americans to work, made in U.S.A.

Dec 19, 2008 1:38 PM

Guest :

I think the stimulus payment is a good and bad idea. For starters now we will be taxed "again" on money given to help us!!! If there is over $100 billion dollars being used to help our country...why not send each family $500,000 to $100 million dollars...this way all the money recived "would" be given back to the government!!!! I think this would help the economy more that $500.00 to let's say $2500.00 for each family. The same think goes for AIG Corporation...How about instead of bailing them out "Bail us out" and help us "save our homes, cars ect..."!
January from Illinois

Dec 19, 2008 5:46 PM

Guest :

I think the checks are a great idea. When you have that cushion in your checking account you do start spending more again, even after the check has long been spent. It helps to change a hoarding mindset.

Dec 19, 2008 5:58 PM

Guest :

i really hope that we do get a stimulus check bc money is tight and i need it to take care of bills and etc..

Dec 21, 2008 1:32 PM

Guest :

so it seems that we will be getting a stimulus check sometime at the begining of the year for 2009.

Dec 21, 2008 3:41 PM

Guest :

im single 29 years old and if they give me 500 hundred bucks that not helping me at all that not even making a house payment or even my boat payment if they want to help me i wish they would fix the economy and stop making fuel so high which causes everything else to go up i support the fight overseas but i cant see where we are doing anything i hope obama can maybe get our country back on track.

Dec 21, 2008 5:27 PM

Guest :

so are we going to get the economic stimulus in 2009 and how much for a single mother of 2 children

Dec 22, 2008 12:35 PM

Guest :

Trying to keep this as simple as I can, my first thought on this is that, if we, the typical American, is going to do this the right way, the amount of the check would have to be quite abit more significant than the previous one because if you're like me, right now you need money just to get back to breaking even from where you have been over the past year. Heck, I would love to get a $1000 or so and help prop up the economy by infusing it back into spending but for me to fill responsible and not wasteful and foolish, I feel like if I were to receive a check today, my first obligation (and the responsible thing to do) would be to send it to the credit card card company that I borrowed from here and there when gas and milk was $4 a gallon and I didnt have enough to make ends meet.

Dec 23, 2008 10:03 AM

Guest :

Why not let us keep our taxes instead of cutting us a check? How much does it cost to keep an audit of what person is entitled to what check, not to mention the cost of printing and mailing checks or even the electronic transmission and handling of the checks. Probably a couple of million.
We could save all that money by stopping taxes on every transaction for two months, The reporting would still be the same, that way it's still managable for the rest of the year by the IRS, just no need to actually deduct it from payroll or add it to shopping bill, gas, etc.
Wishful thinking I know...

Dec 23, 2008 11:32 AM

Guest :

Let's take all the bail out money and distribute it amoung the tax payers and lets see the economy grow guickly. I would guess that is about $200k for each taxpayer. Small business will grow and generate new jobs, families will stop losing their homes. People will spend money if they are making money. Gook Luck to America and the rest of world. We definitely need a miracle here...........soon!

Dec 23, 2008 5:07 PM

Guest :

Congress should have givin an equal share of the bail-out $money$ that was used on the stock market to the average working "AMERICAN" (who work at least 40 hours a week)! That would have been more than enough money for stimulation! These C.E.O.'s have siuts that cost more than the gov't gave the average working class family!!!!

Dec 23, 2008 10:12 PM

Guest :

I believe the stimulus 2009 rebate would be very helpfuly...at the same time I believe it shouldnt be used to spend at momma and poppas stores nor walmart or kmart.It should be used respectfully and responsible and to hold as a citizen to be able to fix promblems when needed for our childern and famlies!!!!

Desiree Cottom
Redlands, Ca

Dec 24, 2008 9:02 AM

Guest :

Lets be real about this second stimulus check America, even though it is a great idea. this money comes from where? Us.. we are basically paying ourself back but at a huge cost to the national deficit ie: rob Peter to pay Paul. what the government can really do for the American household which will pay out in the long run is basically cut if not in half our Mortgages/Rent...but by a third. Force the lending entity to make these moves.. why not the government just dished out how many billions to these institutions and what did they do..? Vacation/Bonuses anyone .. and now they are bailing out the Auto industry..whats next Wallmart gift cards..It is simple give the American worker this huge break and see the American worker give back a lot more than this stimulus check that is basically going to make payment on our credit cards. somebody please tell me im wrong..

Dec 24, 2008 10:50 AM

Guest :

I think the stimulis checks should only be offered to thise not living off the goverment .. We work hard every day and we deserve it not the people who chose to sit on their butts having kids collecting all the money and glory from the taxes we hard working americans are doing every day also i think you need to be a u.s. citizen also .I think if they are going to give them give them to the right people

Dec 24, 2008 12:30 PM

Guest :

the"windfall" profits of oil companies has disappear with oil prices falling below $ 40 barrels therer was a significant windfall when prices were above $ 100 and especially at the high of $ 140. With the ecomony in REVERSE gear, unemployment approaching perhaps 10%, and many exhausting their second enemployment extension in the first quarter of 2009. even minimum wage retial jobs at Walmart are hard to obtain. Gob Bless all American in these though and support the govt in REBUILDING the govt,, A new 2009 WPA rebuilding of the infra structure at NEW wages below the current UNION wages is needed to employ MORE people instead of a few

Dec 25, 2008 9:44 PM

Guest :

they say they have alot of unclaimed stimulus checks but the reason is no one can get a stimulus check unless they worked and earned at least $3,000 that previous year,aand they do count social security income which i drawed $2700 only last year so i did not qualify for the stimulus check,when they first talked about it they said it was to help all americans and the economy,but disabled people like me do not get a stimulus check if they dont draw at least $3000 in social security or work income.what about the millions of people disabled and elderly who live on ssi and very little social security they get nothing from the stimulus which i strongly feel is wrong and discriminating cause if they going to give it to working people then everyone else should get it too,especially disabled and elderly folks.i pray everyone will pass this message around and maybe some how obama will get the message,and chnge it so all americans get something,i files my stimulus form and called about status and they said sorry i will not be getting one cause i only earned $2700 last year in socail security disability benefits andf the rest of my income was ssi which none of it counts.so this problem will stop millions of people from getting a stimulus check,everyone please tell us what you think about this matter.

Dec 25, 2008 9:47 PM

Guest :

no disabled or elderly person drawing ssi or drawing less than $3000 a year in social security alone is entitled to any type of stimulus payment.

Dec 25, 2008 9:58 PM

ntimmy4u2 :

elderly and disabled people living on s.s.i. and that draw social security less than $3000 a year are not entitled to any stimulus checks,myself i live on disability and applied for stimulus check and they denied me cause i only drawed $2700 in social security disability benefits,the rest was in s.s.i. which none of it counts.i sure hope obama changes the stimulus checks so all mericans will get one to help them and the economy,especially elderly and disabled people,to me its not fair disabled and elderly do not get any type of stimulus payment if they draw more than $3000 income from either work or socail security benefits,id like to know others opinions on this matter and hope this message gets sent around and maybe the president will see it and will change qualifications for any future stimulus checks.

Dec 29, 2008 5:42 PM

Guest :

My opinion to the stimulus is a great and positive way of thinking for many people,speaking of individuals and families! Many of us are working
and don't even see a check because everybody wants a piece of it right
away! Some of cannot afford to give out or hand out when wanted or when
needed! Bills do pile up! but only if you allow it! There is always hope!
And the stimulus check for us would be a real true blessing! and speaking
for myself,i will use it wisely and in the right way!

Dec 29, 2008 7:42 PM

Guest :

Some of you people are so ungrateful!! At least you got something back. The ones who are griping probably don't have jobs anyway and you want help always and never give a single thank you. I know the $1800 helped me out and even with a family of 4 $500 or even $1000 would be much appreciated by this working mom!!

Dec 30, 2008 9:27 AM

Guest :

Why should we bailout the automakers? Give the american people that money and we won't need a stimulus check. This is ridiculous....debt, debt, and more debt b/c the government doesn't care about the american people....just themselves!!! We need the bailout money today!

Dec 30, 2008 12:33 PM

Guest :

I have a family of 4 (plus 2 cats) and with all the money my family is getting between my boyfriends income and getting back the money from child care, we still wont have enough to help get us out of our hole. And there are people well worse off than us! So these stimulous checks need to be at least $1000 per person let alone for children as well. We need to get ourselves out of debt and get back on track with what we may be getting here for money. They want to see everyone have a "fresh start!" So put the money into your bills and get as close to paying things off that needs it instead of getting new bills to have to pay off, like getting a new car when your old one is fine to drive around!! This may be the last year we get these use it wisely!! We may surprise ourselves!!

Dec 30, 2008 2:41 PM

Guest :

I am just hoping and praying that the stimulus checks DO get passed and sent to the American people. My husband is disabled and I am a full time nursing student. We have 3 young school age children. Every penny of the previous stimulus check went towards things that my children needed. So, YES, my check "helped" the economy if that is what they were wanting.

Dec 30, 2008 11:39 PM

Guest :

i am a single 23 yrs old male and been laidoff for couple months now. and it is not fun only recieving 330 every 2weeks..i cant make ends meet to save myself this stimuls check will help..and hopefully single would get more then 500.00 thts jus gona pay my gas bill.im struggling and hope this goverment get off it ass and help us all out..america so bad now you would be better off moving to another country..!!

Dec 31, 2008 7:06 AM

Guest :

After reading many of the comments, I have a question this so called energy stimulas that the president elect said he would like to give how would that affect those that live in housing where it is included in thier rent are they going to be the forgotten ones this takes in, HUD housing and Senior citizens to name a couple. I sure don't want to be on the outside of this stimulas package.

Dec 31, 2008 8:30 AM

Guest :

I think the stimulus check is a great idea cause i dont make 100,000 grand a year and thats more money in my pocket to pay for late bills or even just extra money to do something for myself. i mean if the government wants to give us more money(even if its already our tax money) i say let them!!!!!

Dec 31, 2008 6:17 PM

Guest :

I hope that we do get a stimulus check. I really could use the money. My family is struggling really hard right now.

Jan 1, 2009 8:01 PM

Guest :

Give the people the stimulus and make it a large amount of money. I am 21 years old and I don't know anyone who doesn't like spending money especially when it is handed to them.

Jan 2, 2009 6:01 AM

Guest :

stimulus is a good Idea but we WILL have to pay for it sooner or later so whats the point gas is getting ready to go up again and you know the increase in oil price will be our so called "stimulus" so I don't really think Its going to help anyone so tax the consumer then send him/her $300-$500 that they pay in increased oil price co basicly a catch 22 either have cheap gas and no free govt check or use the check to pay for $4.50+ a gallon which would you like?

Jan 2, 2009 9:32 AM

Guest :

You can tell times have changed and getting worse. I remember growing up as a kid, we use to drive around and look at all the Christmas lights in different neighborhood. Now, times are so hard, you can't even waste gas to do things like that anymore. Maybe 1 to 5 houses to a block my have had lights. Some didn't even a tree in the window for that matter. This is the second year in a row, I really wasn't in the Christmas spirit. It has been a rough road. I just purchased a home in July 2007 and I'm in the process of foreclosure. My taxes has increased tremendously and I'm the only one with the income. I have a decent job but the money still isn't enough. I have to pay tuition for my child so she can receive a good education. So yes, we need another stimulus just to get us out the hole. We don't live above our means, our family help each other. When one is in need we gather food from different houses to put together care packages or each other. I didn't use to be like this. Now you can't get a dime from anybody because we all in the same vote. Can't save money in the bank because we too busy living check to check just to survive. Once again....show me the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 2, 2009 1:02 PM

Guest :

I think that this stimulus check will help bust the economy. I know that when I receved it last year me and my boyfriend went to the beach on the money we received. I do not believe that all elderly people should receive the stimulus check because some of them are in nursing homes or are not even aware enough to know what it is. The stimulus check is to bust the economy and if the can not go out and buy anything then why should they receive it; the money is only going toward the family at that point and not back into the economy.

Jan 2, 2009 4:16 PM

Guest :

Give each working adult over the age of 21 $200,000. Tax the money, so the gvt. is getting their slice, then we can pay off our mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, etc. With what's left over, we can jump start the economy the right way.

Jan 2, 2009 5:42 PM

Guest :

Im a 25 year old hmong (asian) female who thinks getting a stimulus check is a great idea because of this big down fall. But I must agree with the rest of those who thin 1000 per family is just not enough. Especially if the first stimulus check wasn't enough. Infact I didnt even get my first stimulus check. It went straight to my taxes which i had to pay back about 2600.00 last year and wasn't able to aford to because of all the lay offs and the prices on everything raising. And it's even worse for the older generation of our hmong people THOSE WHO HELP FIGHT IN THE WAR. Because once they're laid off, it's a lot harder for them to find jobs because most of them can't even speak english. DON'T FORGET, we lost our country and help fight in the war. We lost many loved ones, and here we are busting our butts and almost cant even survive. We were better of in Thailand living our free lives and farming.

Jan 3, 2009 5:59 AM

Guest :

I was recently laid off from my job, but since the auto bail out i should be called back sometime i hope. My company supplies the weather stripping for the vechiles and its a small company with about 1000 workers including company people. So right now a stimulus check would really come in handy for me bc i can't buy the things i want to buy for my house all i do now is to paid bills with my unemployment. So i sure could use some extra money.

Jan 4, 2009 5:52 AM

Guest :

I am not too sure about others who have read or commented on the article, the previous stimulus pack I received $580 because I am a single working man with no children, I understand people with children deserve more, but I don't believe those with more than 1 income in a household deserve more, I work hard to barely hold on, I have probably just as many bills as any other but I have less $ to cover what I can but I do keep my bills paid. I honestly think they shout hike up what they do give single individuals who do work their tails off to barely hold on we deserve it just as much as anyone else to gain help from the government even though it is just a pinch of tax dollars I have already paid in the first place and I will just be retaxed on it the following year, but being I have medical bills and utility bills and food and gasoline to pay for the small loan is a jump ahead to get myself in a position not to be hurting as much in my pocket especially after the holiday seasons

Jan 4, 2009 7:05 PM

Guest :

I myself think that the stimulus check would be very helpful to my family. I myself and my fiance were both recently laid of and while looking for jobs( which with the economy there really aren't any) were collecting unemployment. It a struggle everyday to take care of our expenses. This would just help us get back on track and i pray it happens.

Jan 4, 2009 7:57 PM

Guest :

I believe we need a stimulus check that after we pay our debts that we still have money left over to put back into the economy.Put a freeze on the companies like oil,phone electric, water and all simular companies that know we NEED these services or products and give us a choice of more then one company to choose from so one doesn't hold the power over the customer.These things we need and they know it so we are at their mercy.

Jan 4, 2009 8:48 PM

Guest :

While every penny helps in this day and age- $500-$1000 isn't much at all considering people are facing an economy where you are required to have perfect credit just to afford a decent house and/or purchase/lease a newer vehicle... Even the cost of renting is on the rise due to all the foreclosures?! The true solution would be to cut CEO bonuses/high salaries, tax more to those who make more, and find other ways to jump start a crumbling economy besides giving us checks... It's really sad when people like that can actually enjoy a vacation abroad while the average working person is happy to stay home for 5-7 consecutive days, you know? Also a better public assistance option should be given to ALL citizens along with a form of universal healthcare to those that pay taxes... America needs less fascism and more democracy.

Jan 5, 2009 9:17 AM

Guest :

All I can say is WOW. All of these great ideas, yet some are still not seeing the problems! You say cut mortgages so you pay a smaller house payment. That will not help me or anyone else that has ALREADY lost our house! Cut taxes on money spent, well to me that says that I have to have the money to spend in the first place. I have also seen comments that a Stimulus check should only go to working Americans, I am currently on disability, I have worked MOST of my life and paid into the system to get what I do have. Therefore I feel that I do deserve a check if it going out to the working people (this is the same for anyone on disability no matter what thier income level is). Giving money to the people that need it will help everyone. We will pay bills and still be able to afford food. People can afford to get that much needed car, which helps out the auto industry. They give the money to the Auto industry and what will they do, buy some big expensive newspapaer ad that will show us what they have that WE can not afford???

Jan 5, 2009 11:58 AM

Guest :

I CAN SAY BY ME LIVING IN PHILADELPHIA,MS.,WE ARE IN REAL BAD NEED OF
THE STIMULUS CHECK,WITH OUR MINIUM WAGES BEING $6.75,AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO WORK FOR AYEAR KNOW,AND TRYING TO GET MY DISABILLITY,MY HUSBAND LOST HIS JOB IN SEPT.,AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FOUND A JOB YET,BUT THANKS TO THE GOOD LORD,BECAUSE IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I DON'T KNOW HOW MY FAMILY AND I WOULD HAVE MADE IT. SO PLEASE HELP US HERE IN
PHILADELPHIA,MS.WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE!

Jan 6, 2009 6:11 AM

Guest :

What about the single parents, with 3 children, head of the household, I think it is unfair to give couples more, my friends are married and have no children but recieved double what I did. What kind of sense dose that make. I work my **&@# off to support my children with no help from the government what about my family. Stimulus yes but keep it fair.

Jan 6, 2009 2:51 PM

Guest :

I don't think that the stimulus is that great because I ddin't reallize that it was and advance from your tax money. I went to a H&R block website and went to calculate what my return would be for 2008 and it asked if you got a stimulus check in 2008 and how much. I typed in what I got and then I went back to that spot and took it out. I saw that with the stimulus from last year they took back. So when I go fill my taxes I will get 1200 dollars less then I should. So know there just going to do it again. I would rather have all that money when I fill my taxes than alittle in the middle of the year.

Jan 6, 2009 2:56 PM

Guest :

Instead of bailing out these huge companies the government ought to think about that they could give every household one million dollars and help out some of us that are trying to make and and losing our hours at work. these car companies etc. have more than enough. they just waste it.

Jan 6, 2009 5:16 PM

Guest :

I think that there is so much money floating around for the big companies, that instead of giving them the big bucks, the government could give every taxpaying household $100,000 dollar check. Let this go toward paying bill off or at least down. Other individuals would be able to buy something else. I believe this would help stimulate the economy and the government would get by a lot cheaper and everybody would be happy!!!

Jan 6, 2009 9:14 PM

Guest :

Can anyone look at what they are doing, before judging everyone else?
Who wants to live totally above their means? Most Americans. Am I lying? So if you have a home with 3 living rooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, and 3 cars in the garage,and only 2 kids, quit complaining. You got yourself into this debt. It's not Obama's fault, or the governments' fault, or anyone else's. Its called Envy. Everyone wants to have the best. But how many of you go shopping every chance you get, to get 10 pairs of brand name jeans, blah blah, who go out and buy completely useless items, to pile up into a huge mountain of nothingness in your homes. Problem is, no one is ever satisfied with what they have. Who's not in debt? Those who don't bother with credit. Who don't need mountains of crap to feel fulfilled or to feel successful. It seems everyone is waiting around for Obama to take care of the huge mess that we got ourselves into. Hey! He's not a miracle worker!!! Why should he have to pay for our stupidity. How can we expect him to make a Perfect choice about everything, He is only human.
If anyone gets the economic stimulus, try donating a part of that to some starving children ( I mean truly starved) in the world, and maybe you'll get a taste of feeling fulfilled. And one last thing; next time you're in that store, buying that Ipod, or Navigation System, stop!!! Think... Do you really need this junk? Be honest with yourselves.

Jan 6, 2009 9:22 PM

Guest :

Seems like all we ever want is MORE MORE MORE. How about the government just hands over half a million to every citizen. Wouldn't that be great? Then next year, how about a million? We'd never get enough.

Jan 7, 2009 5:45 AM

Guest :

This is a wonderful example of giving with one hand (in the form of a stimulus check) and taking it back with the other (in the form of a taxes). Unfortunately for those of us paying the inevitable tax to fund this dream, we won't be receiving any check as the current majority of our federally elected government believes those of us actually paying the majority of taxes make too much. If the government believes that we the people should spend more of our money and stimulate the economy, then maybe they shouldn't try to take so much of it from us in the form of income, sales and property taxes. The additional money in our pockets could then be spent. As for the thought that oil companies are evil just because they're profitable and should be forced to pay every American for their presence, that's counterintuitive for a capitalist society. Our government makes a larger profit (in the form of taxes) on each gallon of gasoline that the oil companies who find, excavate and refine the product sold at the pump.

Jan 8, 2009 9:18 AM

Guest :

Here is how I look at it. Whatever I get from the Government I will later need to pay back.

The last one did nothing for the economy. This one will be less than the previous one.

Do what I did and have done when times are lean. Get rid of nice to have stuff like cell phones, drop DTV, compete insurance companies, talk to your utilities dept and talk to those you owe money.

This year alone we found over 4k dollars a year in savings by reducing our services for our household.

This cycle of handing out money only for it to be taxed later needs to stop.

We went thru the Jimmy Carter days of double digit inflation, double digit unemployment, double digit interest rate for a home loan and double digit interest rate for a car loan. I was paying 17% for a car loan and 14% on a home loan, for a short time period. But the standards for home loan approval were like the monthly mortage could only be 25% of your net monthly pay...and with freddie, fanny and such they jumped that to over 60% and the liberals pushed so everyone would have a home. If you can't afford it then you should not have it. Pretty simple economic standard and no geewhiz going on then, nor now. Just bad politics and poor media coverage of those changes during the Clinton years. The media should have been all over it in the 90's...but no there was biased media and no investigative reporting...very little done now also. They report what is told to them and don't peel back the onion. Thank you politicians and media.

Just downsize your lifestyle for a period of time and your economic situation will change.

Jan 8, 2009 12:52 PM

Guest :

i'm "joe the plumber". i don't understand why we keep putting BILLIONS of dollars in the hands of the people who put us under in the first place. if they want to pass a TRILLION dollar stimulus that we the people have to pay back i think that each american deserves a huge chunk of that. after all it's a loan that we and our children have to pay back. not this non-sense of thousand per family. i think 50,000 per household is fair. we will be putting it back into the economy, no doubt about that. America is suppose to be FOR the people..let's get our voice heard! we deserve MORE! we are the ones LIVING through this "recession"!

Jan 8, 2009 10:28 PM

Guest :

I HAD NO IDEA I WOULD HAVE TO PAY BACK THE STIMULUS OUT OF MY TAXES!!!!! I AM OUTRAGED!!!! how dare they call the stimulus anything other than a LOAN! What a cruel joke ... I am a 26 year old mother of a one year old. My fincee and I have been planning to get married now for four long years. We have tried to save the money for a wedding, but have ended up needing bills paid with it instead. We both work full time to barely get by. Our exspenses have been cut to just the things that we NEED. It makes me sick to think that our government would rather fill the pockets of big business and not the people who really need it. Why are we bailing out our auto industry when we don't have enough money to buy cars??? Other people on this thread are right when they say that a real stimulus to our economy would be people actually having ENOUGH money to buy a new car or other bigger ticket items... They wouldn't need bailed out if people had money to spend on the product right?? I hope someone who matters reads this post and the others like it - I help myself and my family and don't ask for much in return - I take pride in my ability to prevail and now that I know this stimulus is nothing more than a loan... I WILL DECLINE IT!
Jacqueline
Spokane, WA

Jan 9, 2009 5:43 PM

Guest :

I Believe the only thing that will help the economy is a stimulus check, given to individuals
who filed 2007 taxes. Why? Because if you did not file 2007 taxes then you did not contribute to
the government. Why should anyone who is getting government help get a stimulus check? You
are getting stimulated monthly for free. With that being said, the checks have to be a high
dollar amount. How about $5,000 per individual, and $10,000 per married couple, and $1000
extra for each child? Now, let me tell you... there is more money being handed out to
corporations to help "bail them out" than it would cost to do what I am proposing. What would
I do with $5,000? Pay off as much debt as I could so I can SPEND money on something other
than PAYING OFF DEBT! Hello? It's pretty simple people! Give the money to the working,
struggling Americans! Self reliance, yes, I believe in it. But I may loose my job this year
because of this crappy economy and giving the money to automobile manufactures and mortgage
companies doesn't do a darn bit of good for me! But if you give it to individuals, you will
see the economy turn around for sure!

Jan 11, 2009 3:28 AM

Guest :

You keep bailling out the companys that put us in this mess,what about us working people who struggle everyday that need a bailout your talking about giving singles 500.00 and families 1000.00 what do you consider a family im a single mother with a child and im not married so i would be considered single this is the long run is not fair becauc=se just cus i have no husband am i not considered a family when you say singles and families you need to clarify what makes your household a family is it because there are 2 people married or do singles moms and dads count as a family with kids

Jan 11, 2009 6:16 AM

Guest :

I think if they do give out another stimulus check, It should be based on hours worked, Not just because you paid 100 dollars in tax last year and worked 40 hours all year, I don't think those people should get a stimulus check. I know people are going to say thats not fair, blah blah blah, but why should people that don't try to get jobs still get a stimulus check when I've been busting my hump working 2 jobs to make ends meet. I also think there should be a salary, maybe like 100K or 150K, If you make more than that then you shouldn't get a check either.

Jan 11, 2009 6:24 AM

Guest :

The "Bailout" that people are talking about with the Auto companies and AIG, At least they are paying that money back. So people need to stop comparing the 2. Stimulus checks we do not have to pay back nor even claim on our taxes. That's comparing apples to oranges and you just can't do that

Jan 11, 2009 7:59 AM

Guest :

I think we should listen to Jamal Bryant "Bell Out" sermon on You-tube and get your answer on another stimulus package. The plan is very interesting & worth listening to. Congress & Government should really tune in. I think we should really get a BIG enough package to pay off bills & to put $$$ back into the economy. It is a great idea, but this time give us enough to do more than just pay off bills.

Jan 11, 2009 2:35 PM

Guest :

i think the stimulus check would be a good idea because alot of us have no money for our children. And it would be very hard to try to take care of them. This money would be able to go towards college for our kids. And would help in debts.

Jan 12, 2009 4:52 AM

Guest :

This Economic Stimulus 2009 is a joke. Just go file your taxes and you will see what I mean.A stupid loan that no one appiled for. This just go's to show us they can take our hard earn money anytime they please. I dont know about other people, but I'm upset. But like always there's nothing we can do about it.

Jan 12, 2009 6:35 AM

Guest :

I think it would be nice to have extra money this year at tax time...and I am always in a whole again at the very middle of the year. Me and my husband work every day and still can't make it. We have no extra money on paydays to do anything because of all of our bills. We just got into a new home and because of "economy and Countrywide home loans" we may be losing our home. It's not fair!

Jan 12, 2009 9:38 AM

Guest :

while sending out more stimulus checks may not be the best thing to do at the moment, there are many families, like mine, who desperately need the money. so you can talk about taxes and interest rates and ask where the money will come from, but unfortunately those families like mine have needs that are far more immediate. we simply cannot afford to look into the future, when we can barely afford to live in the now. some of us are scraping for basic needs, such as food and diapers, on a daily basis. jobs are beyond scarce, and what jobs we have remain excruciatingly inadequate, to pay for these needs. so forgive us if we simply don't care about a continually bloating deficit and a possible tax backlash. we just need the money.

Jan 12, 2009 9:57 AM

Guest :

I think that us working americans need some extra help!!my husband and I both work 6 days a week and we are still struggeling. I think that the government needs to invest not only in America, but in the American people. I believe that by sending out another stimulus check to 'Working People', it will allow us to boost the ecomy and still have money left form our pay checks to pay our bills. All I know is that something has to change or we are going to be in a worst predicament than we are already in.

Jan 12, 2009 11:25 AM

Guest :

Interesting comments. But I'd wager MY stimulus refund that when you get yours, you'll rush right out and spend it like everybody else. Personally, I'm drowning in bills right now and I'm looking forward to it. It hurts financially when hours are cut at work. I have 2 kids and 3 jobs right now, except 2 of them I have never worked at due to cuts.

Jan 12, 2009 1:36 PM

Guest :

If we are to get stimulus checks, would people on unemployment also receive a stimulus check?

Jan 13, 2009 8:57 AM

Guest :

They need to stop going into other countries ,blowing stuff up,and trying to rebuild it.And also I don't see why the car dealerships are having such a hard time,as much as they have us paying for these cars.We're the ones that need the help,the people who aren't rich but are trying to survive,by buying things our families need,not buying things that we can go without.Nowadays its so hard for us,we can barely buy necessities.I work,I'm a young single mother with two very young children and its extremely devastating when i can't afford food,pull ups,gas to go to work,etc.The little bit of money I do make is like nothing!I have multiple health issues that i have to just deal with and live with because i have no health insurance.Its scary for me because I could possibly have something thats killing me,and i wouldn't even know it.I just believe we should take care of our own before we call ourselves taking care of other countries!!!!

Jan 14, 2009 6:28 AM

Guest :

I LOVE CASINO'S!!! But I am a mother of three and I have my priorities VERY straight. I know what comes first and what needs to be done with my money when it comes in. To judge people by what they do with their money is nobody's business. This stimulus was/should be to help everyone not just who you "the people" think it should. Who says you know whats best for everyone else. You should be thinking about yourself and your own situation and not everybody else's. I don't have allot of money but I do make sure that I am not just living to work and pay bills. Everyone deserves to do things for themselves and their family even when the funds are not as freely available. I have managed to do it for 10 yrs. And somehow there is always a way to pay my bills and enjoy life.

Jan 14, 2009 6:51 PM

Guest :

All this talk about Stimulus sounds to good to be true, hypothetically speaking. Yes, we recieved our checks but it only took a day or two for the AP's (automatic payments) to eat it up. My mother had to quit working to stay home to look after me (I have a Heart Condition/Epilepsy) and it hurts me to see her years of hardwork at school and degress just sitting in the garage and not on a shelf or wall in an office somewhere. We both recieve benefit payments every week - her for looking after me(rnd up) $700.00 between us. By the time the next weeks arrives, the week b4 bills have accumulated and we go around in circles trying to make ends. It gets very frustrating to the point where I would say "Stuff the bills, Im going to get me that dress" um "HELLO" after rent, electricity, phone, water, gas, and wateva else needs to be fixed, that only thing you can afford to buy is a burger, and if you're lucky, maybe some fries with that too.
So this STIMULUS that everyone is talking about, would it just be one amount for everyone? Or will there be categories which we will fall under?

Jan 16, 2009 2:36 PM

Guest :

While a stimulus is all well and good. Until the government can come up with a plan to limit all upper management wages, bonuses and perks. The individual worker (who by the way really does most of the work for whatever company they work for.) will perpetually be living either pay check to pay check or looking for a handout from the government. I can say this as a former manager in a retailer that does very well. The wages, perks and bonuses that I have seen paid to upper management not only in that company but other companies to upper management, was uncalled for. The basic worker has wait a year for a 20 to 60 cent a hour raise while upper management gets thousands and stock options plus stock options. Also when january rolls around they don't work the extra hours cut by companies to save payroll. But rather expect the people that didn't get cut to work harder or else. By limiting their pay and incentives maybe the companies could infuse that excess into the people's pocket at the low end. Which by the way do the majority of the shopping and establishing the spending habits that the upper management types seem to spend more time looking at than the real world realities the rest of the world lives in (basically if they cared to put more into their employees pockets than bulgeing their own overstuff pockets things could and would be better). Obama I hope you or someone you know reads this and wants more of real world insight into what has happened to the economy over the past 30 years than the people who god bless them have degrees but really don't get or see from ground level the hopelessness and despair a lot of people have come to embrace as their fate.

Jan 16, 2009 11:09 PM

Guest :

This government check is intended to help out the economy, I do greatly appreciate it, and it does help but.... Im 22 have a 17,000 car loan among other loans, a credit card and im paying on them.... My issue is that we are bailing out these large companies, such as the auto industry, but if we could get companies to lower interest rates and there of that people would be not only more willing, but also more able to go out and make purchases of vehicles from the auto industry. So help out the large companies by helping the citizen. 1000$ is not going to encourage many people to go out and purchase another vehicle, thats not much when it comes to a vehicle these days..... but by giving our countries citizens a better return for their hard work will better stimulate the economy all around...... Also, i feel as if we are being taxed on each dollar we make not only once but multiple times, especially as a tipped employee! The person leaving the tip on the table was just taxed on that dollar when they got their paycheck, then im paying taxes on it and hour after I payed tax on it im paying more tax on it again when i go to buy the groceries and other necessities i have to have..... so that is whats on my mind, and i think obama is going to be a great leader for our country and he will do his best to bring us back to where our nation and us as Americans would like to stand.... Thanks and the best of luck to everyone in the new year!

Jan 17, 2009 4:08 AM

Guest :

Why is it that we have to pay to get grant money. The whole purpose of grant money is to help you because you don't have money. I don't understand that part of the system.

Jan 18, 2009 10:13 PM

Guest :

There are many of us Americans who don't have enough money to pay bills at the end of the month. Money comes out of our savings and not much left after 2 years of pulling out and waiting again for our tax return to replenish it only for it to leave again. Also, money is put on a credit card for food, gas and bills. Most of us are living that way, hoping not to lose our houses. Money should be given to working Americans to help us pay some of our bills to make it easier for us to live in this down economy.

Jan 19, 2009 5:00 AM

Guest :

how about giving individual workers $10,000.00 and then tax them at 10%, married couples - $25,000.00 and tax them at 15% - families would receive $ 30,000.00 and tax them at 20% (this would also include single parents with children) then we could really jump start the economy !!! there would be less bankruptcies, you wouldn't have to bailout the auto ,health ,utilities,housing industry, banks, or unemployment situation!!!!! people would not have to be living paycheck to paycheck !! they would be able to pay bills ,buy a vehicle, buy food and help the economy a lot better!!!!!!! also stop giving out government grants!!!!!! give the money to everyone who qualifies (the tax payers)!!!!! thank you you should do this stimulus package for the next four years then you will see a big difference in the economy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 19, 2009 6:11 AM

Guest :

If Obama wants to stimulate the economy, he should stop imports of materials that can be made right here!!! THEN WE DONT NEED STIMULUS CHECKS, BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL HAVE JOBS!!!

Jan 19, 2009 12:08 PM

Guest :

i am a single parent of one child, the child lives with his mother(joint custody) last year i got 655.00 for a stimulus, but at the time, my child support was a bit behind cause i couldn't find a job, so they took all the stimulus for the support. im not mad about it, at least it went to something worth while. i don't know if we have to pay back from what we got last year, but yeah i'll be ticked off if so. and yes, the big company bail outs would never have to happen if 1)they didn't charge so much for their things and 2)if the CEOs didn't waste all kinds of money on themselves, they could have paid more to the gov. from what i've heard, a person who makes $104 thousand or more, doesn't even have to pay taxes. and the less you make, the more tax you pay. unfair??? yes i believe so

Jan 20, 2009 2:10 PM

Guest :

The gov should let all these banks fail an forclose on them with no regaurd the same way they do on the american people!!!!
The money given to the banks and other ind like the auto ind should have been given to the people that work and pay taxes. We would have been able to pay our loans and then the banks would have money again, but instead companies like AIG got nice spa trips and many of us got kicked out of our homes. Now they want to give states more money for foodstamps when HELLO i know people that only have a $600.00 a month income and they were turnned down for foodstamps because they made too much money. If a stimulus check is given again people are not going to run to the mall or the car lot eager to spend, they are going to pay the bills they already have and hold on to what little if any they have left. With the current unemployment rate there is no such thing as job security. A stimulus check may help in the short term but it will take more than 1500.00 a family to turn this economy around.

Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM

Guest :

I believe the stimulus would help out greatly, but why so little money?
500 dollars these days is like 50 dollars. Come on let's get real about this thing, if a stimulus is granted make sure it is enough to make a big impact on the economy. Americans should also use their stimulus money responsibly and not wastefully. Indianola

Jan 20, 2009 7:42 PM

Guest :

I think all the billions of dollars spent to bail out GM should have been give to the working Americans divided in to lump sums to help them get back on their feet with their bills. Instead congress keeps bailing out bussinesses for what its not accomplishing nothing its just buying GM more time till they file bankrupt. The American people need more than a 500 or a 1000 dollar tax stimulas check. The Americans are starving cant even afford food anymore or to pay their utitilies. America is slowly dying.

Jan 21, 2009 12:02 PM

Guest :

I'm 21, no savings, and get paid $8 an hour with a credit card debt more than $400 with a $500 credit limit, that I didn't have any part of spending/doing. I was in an engagement as a gullable female, due to having no family, no friends, and just fully encountering in people that i'm able to want to help, but even if I cannot help myself. I'm a volunteer and my duty in life is to help those in need, but I'm in need. I've put myself through college, paying student loans and spending more than what I make in a month just on rent, not including electricity, gas, food, etc. I've walked many times, and is no problem. I also put more than $100 the year before in bus affair, that I didn't get back. I do all I can as an individual, just trying to live. I am very upset that most likely we, as lower class, will not get a stimulus package. If I did, I would get my dog, Faith nuetured, and pay my credit card off. Getting a problem fixed in one day, compared to 5 years, is less stressful. The ONLY reason there is Economy is because people allow themselves to be overwhelmed, and they get stressed, and that causes problems in their personal lives, and the lives of others they encounter with. I do hope and pray that their is a stimulus check. I hate to know that me as a lower class are getting nothing in return. Why the middle class?
Brittany
...do something good today!

Jan 22, 2009 10:11 AM

Guest :

just a little food for thought not a hundred percent on the figures cause ive gotten different amounts so i just took the smallest amounts and calculated.according to the farmers almanac their is roughly 287 million us citizens not counting illegals,and take that 85 billion dollar bailout to AIG and put that into those hard working citizen hands and they would in a round about number give every single one of those 287 million people about 3.6 million dollars so for those married you would bring in about 7.2. im not sure if that 287 million counts children or not but if it does then the numbers would be ridiculous.and i think with just a million i could live happy and bill free the rest of my life. but no lets just give it to some big name company so they can continue their vacations and ridicolous spending that way the 85 billion last them a few years instead of lasting the us a lifetime.

Jan 22, 2009 12:17 PM

Guest :

I feel every citizen over 18 yrs of age should receive $100,000.The money should be put into an account that can be debited for debts they owe, and for purchases of items related to the home, or transportation (car) ONLY!!!!. This would help the economy, and the money could be monitored and not spent unwisely. Rather than to bail out the big wigs
AGAIN!!!! who will only take once again from the blue color man who has bailed them out Sooooooo many times!

Jan 22, 2009 12:28 PM

Guest :

I have two credit cards that I need to pay off, my total comes to around $2,600, which is nothing compared to what other people have for dept. Since Goerge W. has been in office, thousands of people have lost their jobs, people are losing their homes and going bankrupt, and many soldiers have been killed in the war. Now, I'm not blaming all this on Bush, it's the entire Bush administration, someone out there is breaking the law and needs to go to jail, we would be better off living in a third world country at this point. I think the economic stimulus is a great idea, and this may sound ludacris, but why can't it come from these idiots on wall street who created this whole mess in the first place? My father, who has worked at the same job for over 30 years can't even retire, because he lost a lot of his pension. I'm getting increasingly anrgy writing this. I can't stand these republicans who only care about the wealthy one percent. What they fail to realize is without the lower working class, they don't have squat, they need people like us, and yet they have absolutely no resect for us.

Jan 22, 2009 12:32 PM

Guest :

Is there any other option left other than fiscal policy? Atleast the tax rebates ( http://www.savingtoinvest.com/2009/01/no-second-stimulus-rebate-checks-1000 .html ) will provide some relief to most Americans.

Jan 22, 2009 1:35 PM

Guest :

stimilus checks are very much needed. even though we gon pay for it in the long run, its better to get money to have to spend, then pay for it later!!!! than to never have came across the money and still have to end up havin to spend our own finances.....basically.....
..................................we gon end up losing cash in tha long run.....so why not get paid, before tha economy jack the price up on everythang

Jan 22, 2009 4:39 PM

Guest :

People think if you pay a debt it doesn't help the economy.
If someone pays a debt, they are more able to spend their earnings
on things they need or want and not have to pay that bill anymore.

Jan 22, 2009 5:10 PM

Guest :

I work a full time job at a bank, where I handle thousands upon thousands of dollars a day. But come payday, I don't even make enough to survive on. Granite, I work in MT which is one of the poorest paying states, but that's besides the point. The stimulus check that I did receive went to gas and paying off other outstanding bills. It's hard to put money into the economy when you don't have the money to begin with! I lost both of my parents by the time I was 23, and left an orphan. I was an only child, and I have no family to turn to. Not trying to play the poor me story, because there are many people who have it worse off then me. But let me tell you, when I work a full time job and still can't survive, does that not say something about our nation?! It's true, and will remain true. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. For all you well to do individuals out there, live a year in my shoes, and tell me if you think this nation needs to change. Poor people are people too.

Jan 22, 2009 5:51 PM

Guest :

I am 60 yrs.old and seperated from my husband. I have to work and I work hard. Another stimulus check would help a lot. I'm considered around poverty even though i make $15 an hour. I make too much money for food stamps and with all the deductions for my insurance from my pay check I bring home enough money to pay only a small house pmt. I owe a large gas bill because I can't afford to get my electric updated to 100 amps so I might be able to consider a new energy efficient furnace. I got laid off today so now I go without any money because of a waiting week. Help is needed. I used to make good yearly money but too much downsizing and had to take a $6 an hour cut in pay 10 years ago. We get 15 cents an hour raise each year since then and the minimum wage is catching us. Thank you from a hard working 60 year old warehouse worker, female at that.

Jan 23, 2009 9:06 AM

Guest :

The bailout should have went to THE PEOPLE! You can bailout banks and the auto industry all you want, but if THE PEOPLE don't have the money to buy or pay on homes and cars, then the problem will arise again! They give the big companies millions and give THE PEOPLE 500 bucks?... Thats ridiculous! Imagine the jolt it would have given the economy if they would have given each taxpaying adult $20,000-$50,000. Mortgages would have gotten paid. Cars would have been bought. Retail sales would have went through through roof! Hence, saving jobs and possibly creating more! That in conjunction with a 1% sales tax increase would have been a good plan. One cent on the dollar wont hurt us as individuals, but nationwide it would have a great impact on the national deficit.
This is the Opinion of Ronn Winter.

Jan 23, 2009 1:42 PM

Guest :

My husband severed his right hand in September 2007 and four (4) days later the company he worked for cancelled our insurance and forced us to elect Cobra which is costing us a fortune. He is permanently disabled now and Social Security did not kick in for six months and medicare will not go into effect for two (2) years. When someone is deemed totally disabled it is the first few months when they really need the help. We do not qualify for anytype of public assistance because we make "too much money" on disability. My variable rate lender does not go down on payments only up so where does that big bailout help people like us. Our vehicle was repossesed because we cannot afford the monthly payments. So please explain how 500-1000 is going to help people like me. It certainly will not afford me to purchase a much needed vehicle. We are hanging on by a thread. Don't misunderstand me, I am not angry anymore, just disappointed and disillusioned. Living on Faith in South Louisiana.

Jan 23, 2009 2:09 PM

Guest :

well i hope we do get a stimulus check, my husband and i are saving all we can just to get 3.5% down to buy a house. we have to be out of our apartment in 5 months and housing is down right now and its a good time to buy but on the other hand its hard just to save up for it so its like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. you want us to buy things??? SHOW ME THE MOOOOONNNNNEEEYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! everything is way to high i cant go to the store with out payin atleast 1.35 for eggs and lets not even talk about milk. i walk up and down the aisle lookin to see ok what price is the least expensive.
when gas was soooo high my husband was at the gas station every 4 days and he has a very small car with a tank thats bigger than mine.
people at my job say.."i dont want a stimulus check because its comin from china and we are going to have to pay it back and we are in debt with them already"... WELL? i personally dont care if it comes from the sewer, i personally need it!!!!!!! if my family needs something or if it means my child can have school supplies or food on this table then bring it!!! ill be happy to cash it. we are in debt already ok thats no secret. we are not people who spend money freely like going out to eat, buying things we dont really need,going to the movies,ect ect.
of course i am in healthcare and the doctors at my hospital i work at says they dont like that obama is president because thier taxes will be raised.. and im like?????? ok you chose your profession ok? no one forced you to be a doctor and i am sooo sure you are not hurtin for money. so sorry i am not gonna give you sympathy.
ok sorry i just had to vent thanks for reading. remember its only my opinion.

Jan 23, 2009 10:12 PM

Guest :

The bail money NEEDS AND SHOULD go to the working, tax paying americans. Why to we bail out big companies that are crooked in the first place! How is that going to help the economy, yes jobs but what happens when the people dont have money again to but cars and borrow money to pay for things. The bailout money was 7 BILLION dollars, we dont even have 1 billion people in the US, I think along with half if not more americans that each taxpaying person should get 50,000 dollars. That would pay off debt and bank would be better, that would help people pay on house, that would help people pay debt that is nationwide then we would have money to stimulate the economy and not stress living paycheck to paycheck!!!What happened to presidents and others listening to the people??? We are all crying out and telling to help us, they have all this money and wont help us but a merley 1000.00?? I dont know about any of you but my monthly bills are double that!! not including gas for car, groceries and everything. I dont live lavishly either!!!

Jan 24, 2009 7:25 AM

Guest :

Federal spending doesn't just come from taxes; a significant portion is money printed when the government decides that it "needs" it. Printing money devalues the currency and raises inflation.

America--private and corporate--is going to have to shed its entitlement mentality. As a people and country we have lived beyond our means for too long. Until we accept that, change, and grit our way through the necessary pains of correction, we simply forestall the financial reckoning. The longer we try and hold that off, the worse it will be.

Jan 24, 2009 11:29 AM

Guest :

I'm so tired of hearing everyone complain about not being able to pay this or that and how many kids we have to raise, etc. Grow up. You shouldn't blame the government for your problems. Yes, I said problems. If you can't support your children without expecting a handout, DONT HAVE CHILDREN. DONT live in a home you obviously can't afford. I think that the government should have put a limit to how many children any female can bring into this world. And it should have been ONE or no more than TWO for families who think they can afford a child. I believe that EVERY citizen of the U.S. should be forced to work and STOP living off the government.

Sometimes more so than not I am so imbarrassed to admit I live in this rotten country.

Want, take, want more, take more, ask for more, expect more. And for what?

Our government owes you NOTHING. Raise your own kids with some pride or don't have them.

It isnt you as adults that I feel sorry for no matter what your issues are. It's these poor children who have NO idea what they have to look forward to growing up.... and that is NOTHING.

I vote we put a ban to having children. Stop the cycle of poverty in it's tracks!!!

Signed, Someone who is fed up with cry baby lazy selfish adults

Jan 24, 2009 3:58 PM

Guest :

Yes i hope that we do get the stimulus payment because i'm on a fix income
it will help me lot with a lot on my bills. I like to know if people that got it last time will get if this time. So please Mr.President please give it to all. Thank you

Jan 24, 2009 7:15 PM

Guest :

Well... is all I can think of right now. I have so much to say. I have read most of the responses. Some I agree with, some I do not. Let me just say QUIT complaining about the rich and poor, the single or married. Really it is minor compared to what the big picture is today. I believe ALL AMERICANS should pay one flat tax. If you make $7 an hour or $20 an hour. Just because someone makes a hundred-thousand dollars a year does not mean they should pay higher or lower tax and viceversa. It is unfair. Trust me I do not make much money. I am on unemployment at present time as well as my husband. He was laid off from the "big three" Jan.5,2009 and does not have a return date as of now. I also think the government needs to quit taxing, taxing, taxing. We pay taxes on money WE earn busting our humps to barely get by because the price on everything goes up. Buy something at the store and pay taxes, buy a house and pay taxes, don't forget property taxes on the property you supposedly own! And so on and so forth. I believe that bailing out these banks was a really dumb thing to do. Why should we bail them out? We should not have done it. They will get all of that money and the family of four will still be out on the street. It was a monumentally ridiculous thing to do. Yes gas prices were ridiculous for a long time and will be again! Also, for the states who raised their minimum wage it really does not matter because everything else goes up with it. When oil prices rise, everything rises. I am not for or against a stimulus for 2009. I cannot see the government sending me $1000 and it really helping the economy much because I will NOT be shopping as I cannot afford to. With a family of five my main concern now is surviving. My children need to eat, need heat in their house, etc. I think if our "government" wants to give us a stimulus check to stimulate our economy they should make it worth while. All of us Americans know that our government could care less about us as long as we keep putting money in their pockets.

Jan 25, 2009 3:50 PM

Guest :

A stimulus would be nice....but.! someone down the road has to pay for it. we all should remember the harder you work your garden the more food you will recieve. Nothings free. Boy i"de like a stimulus real bad but not with high interest credit card effects. Spend now pay later is whats happening to our nation. For those as children in the 70's and 80's remember how special a coke was. Now it's a neccesity. Me myself without my cell,internet sattellite tv,second vehicle ect....would make me two or three times financially stronger. Face it I'm spoiled as for many many others. Hoorah for a stimulus. Shame for not just sitting back and doing without.

Jan 25, 2009 6:23 PM

Guest :

First off I would like to say that a stimulus check for 2009 is very much needed I am 27 i am married with a child and times are hard and have been so for some time.3 years ago i was a contractor for dish network and my average cost for gas a day would be 50 to 60 dollars a day when gas was 4 bucks a gallon i made good money but paid out alot for petro.I have changed positions since then but still living check to check . My personal opinion is that the big 3 did it to themselfs instead of giving someone who slacks off at work and is probly reading a book instead of doing there job a buyout for 700 billion or whatever the exact number i now it was ruffly close to that,also instead of paying someone 30 dollars an hour to walk around with a clipboard all day pay them 12 to 15.My grandfather retiered from GM he told me that when he started he made 3 or 4 bucks an hour.Another complaint i have is that we have spent so much money on this war it has exhausted this country to the pointe of poverty instead of spending billions of dollars over seas drop it back into the good old USA. I think i got 1600 dollars last year for the stimulus and do you know were that money went to pay off past due bills if you really want this economy to grow how about giving billions to your owne country that way i can pay off my bills and then have some money to spend on fixing things around my house or a new roof whatever that would be money going back into the economy sorry to complain so much but it gets frustrating so on that note i will continue to live life as well as one can. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Jan 25, 2009 9:40 PM

Guest :

I am a tax payer like all of us, I do need the stimulus, but I think it should be managed in a very different philosophy, I do not believe on giving money left and right, I prefer that the government gives a no interest and long term loan, by paying qualified citizens credit balances ( up to $20.000.00 ) and help them to breathe some fresh air and schedule a monthly % payment base on the amount of the loan(2%), that way I think it is a very responsible and fare way for us to ask and for our president to help(it would have been ridicules to blame the consumer of the situation they are in simply because the total majority of the victims are in fact householder and also that the economic crisis was not predictable and surprised all of us)

Jan 26, 2009 8:30 AM

Guest :

OK MR.PRESIDENT
ALL THIS MONEY YOU ARE GIVING TO THE COMPANIES, SHOULD BE GOING INTO OUR POCKETS!!!!!!WHY? YOU ASK! BECAUSE IF YOU GIVE IT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WE ARE YOU BEST CHANCE OF JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY. WE WOULD PAY OFF OUR DEPT,MAKE PURCHASES AND SUCH.WHY WOULD YOU GIVE THE AUTO INDUSTRY ANY MONEY WHEN WE CANT AFFORD TO BUY ONE? GIVE US THE MONEY AND PEOPLE WOULD BUY A VEHICLE.GET MY DRIFT? ANN IN OHIO

Jan 26, 2009 12:21 PM

Guest :

I agree with the premise that any stimulus money designed to energize the economy presently, should go directly to consumers. Yes, we need money to go for energy technology, conservation and infrastructure, but there is no better way to stimulate business that empowering consumers. Giving business money directly is absurd. Why compete, or improve products if business can just extend their collective hands for vast profits, which we all know will never really be returned. I further agree that we should loan money to business at the same rates they charge consumers. The money should go to the people who paid it to begin with, and through product sales only, go to bolster business.

Jan 26, 2009 2:25 PM

Guest :

i filed taxes last year but not this year do i get a stimulus check this year? because i was told who ever got them last year gets them, this year.. is that true??

Jan 26, 2009 3:13 PM

Guest :

"If there were no debts in our money system there wouldn't be any money" -Marriner Eccies- Governor of the federal reserve-1941

Jan 26, 2009 3:48 PM

Guest :

Obama is trying to go the route of FDR.

FDR made the New Deal Program during the Great Depression to lift the economy with a multi different programs. Alot of these programs were construction and arts projects. I think it did help.

Could we do this in this age. I would love to see it happen but I frankly doubt it. 1..People are spoiled now, back then people were not ashamed of manual labor and would take any job they could. 2... The wrong way the judicial system has went, if you were to house people for a project with out the finest of emenities, they would sue the government and WIN !!!! I don't have a lactation room, this is not ergonomic, this is against my religion, this is racist.......all of these things would bring these "Good Projects" down.

Jan 26, 2009 6:44 PM

Guest :

Given the current state of affairs of the economy, I don't question the size of my next portion, only where it's coming from. To be given an extra boost is better than receiving none at all. I don't mind being given a boost by the government when I need it, especially since I've been unemployed for over a year now. I have one job in my total history, and after being fired there I have no reference for the miniscule experience I have, and even people with way more extensive resumes than me can't find work, so it's a very hard time. I have a g/f and a 8 month old son to feed as well, if not for the unemployment insurance, extended benefits, and other saviors like my girlfriend's Earned Income Credit and Stimulus checks, I'd be out on the streets, and my son would be living with social services by now.

I don't like to think myself destitute, I keep optimistic all the time and spend every week looking for jobs and filling out applications, every business in this town probably has 5 copies of my application by now.

Sure I'd rather have 1,800$ than 500$, but with no positive on whether or not there will even be an economic stimulus payment this year, I'll be happy to get anything at all!

Jan 27, 2009 2:07 PM

Guest :

i beleive the money should go to the consumers the economy will go no where without the general public. roads dont do any good if 3 mil of us are sitting at home we need industry shut down all imports #1 priority that will fix the problems faster than anything. give the consumers the money not these wasteful companies. cory sc

Jan 28, 2009 10:18 AM

Guest :

This is ludicrous, between $1000 and $2500 will not do anything to stimulate the economy. With the amount of people who are out of work, the money used for the purpose of stimulating the economy as such rhetoric is being regurgitated by the Dems, WILL BE USED TO PAY BACK BILLS! Let's be honest, if you have been unemployed for months, money is tight, you are stuggling to pay your BILLS which KEEP coming and piling up because WE DON"T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THEM! So hmmm, let me see that 60" plasma selling for $1000 because circuit city is GOING OUT OF BUSINESS or hmmm, my light bill is due, it is freezing cold or it is hot. Choices, food, pay light bill, pay water & trash, car insurance, rent, credit cards in which obviously by not paying my credit is F786 up. So hello, the idiots who think that $1000-$2500 will help us out, NEWSFLASH, we are in need of more bail outs (the people) US. Force the bank to cough up money and approve loans. Credit score have been affected, lives are been affected.

Jan 28, 2009 2:27 PM

Guest :

I think doing a credit sweep would help the economy more, Allowing the average american to spend their money on things they need rather than debt..

Jan 29, 2009 10:13 AM

Guest :

For the person that asked about the STIMULUS PACKAGE last year...Yes you will get the stimulus package this year, if you have earned enough money. Just as last year you had to earn aver 3400.00, make sure you speak to your tax preparer about the stimulus recovery program. I am a tax preparer and we have gotten several ppl the recovery money, including my son. I claimed him last year because he was still in high school and i was not entitled to the money for him due to his age and he wasnt either due to his age and his income, i did his taxes this year and he got the 300.00 for a single person from the stimulus.

Jan 29, 2009 12:33 PM

Guest :

Stimulus Checks need to be spent wisely, that is a fact.
We must also examine why we need these checks in the first place though. One major reason is N.A.F.T.A. (North American Free Trade Agreement), a Clinton era bill that effectively told companies that if they wanted to go overseas to grab up cheaper labor on inferior products, they were more than welcome to do so. N.A.F.T.A. also gave these same companies huge tax breaks for leaving this country. The people need to effectively urge the Senate, Congress, and the President to repeal N.A.F.T.A. and end the tax breaks for companies outsourcing jobs to foreign countries! This would either force the industries that left this country come screaming back, or, they would accept that their goods would be heavily taxed when imported into the U.S..
We also must turn our attention to CEO's and Board Members of major corporations. Tax the $150,000+ per year incomes as the lower castes of society are taxed. We need to take car that the more than $800,000,000,000 we, the tax payers, are investing in these corporate giants does not go to fancy cars, jets, wining and dining, and just plain luxury that these people have been living in for far too long.

Jan 29, 2009 10:55 PM

Guest :

I could not agree MORE with the person who wrote this:
"I think the stimulus payment is a good and bad idea. For starters now we will be taxed "again" on money given to help us!!! If there is over $100 billion dollars being used to help our country...why not send each family $500,000 to $100 million dollars...this way all the money received "would" be given back to the government!!!! I think this would help the economy more that $500.00 to let's say $2500.00 for each family. The same think goes for AIG Corporation...How about instead of bailing them out "Bail us out" and help us "save our homes, cars ect..."!
January from Illinois"
I could not AGREE MORE! It makes no sense to keep BAILING OUT these banks who turn right around and "GIVE" themselves big fat raises and bonuses with the very money given them to bail out their sorry behinds in the first place while the rest of us are barely scraping by on whatever we can manage and without ANY raises in sight! And Citibank was going to need a new cushy corporate JET?!? Those executives are a CANCER on the butt of society!!! It is my hope and prayer that Mr. Obama and our elected officials keep this in mind when these sorry Wall Street folks come begging for more rescue money.
BOOMER SOONER!

Jan 30, 2009 6:20 AM

cyberbird :

The economic stimulus bill was passed by congress yesterday and many people are studying the finer details to see exactly how much is being sent out in the form of a stimulus check.

I have heard some calls for $50,000 per household.

Taht would certainly be appreciated!

Jan 30, 2009 12:50 PM

Guest :

Like Obama I believe that we need to monitor the use and payback of money lent to big banking.Banking and home forclosures are what got us to the point we're at!!!

Feb 1, 2009 12:36 PM

Guest :

Now what about those people like myself, that ABSOLUTELY can NOT work. I receive SSI and I am currently a single mother to a 4 yr old. I have NO ONE at all to help me the way I need. I literally have no one that could ever watch my son cause they work all the time. I live off of $700 TOTAL each month which is to pay everything! You all think you have it bad, try being me... I get some assistance from the state but not nearly enough! How is anyone supposed to live off of that amount. People in my situation find themselves going to food banks which really don't give normal meals, or we receive food stamps. We are strapped more than ever! Everything I try to do ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSSS back fires in my face, meaning for example; if I try to get a job to become a single working mother, I can't because there's absolutely no-one to watch my son. Then I figure to try for cash assistance, well can't do that either because his father is incarcerated in a state correctional facility and even if there was a way around it (which there isn't) I found out it wouldn't make a difference because that's counted as extra income. That means SSI would just lower my monthly payments and I wouldn't have gotten anywhere. So where is this stimulus helping the people who actually TRULY need help. I put every single penny into supporting my child, I'm not getting anywhere in life because there are no options for me, and I get nothing back!

Feb 1, 2009 3:58 PM

Guest :

I say give every American registered to vote 250,000.00, that will stimulate the economy. Think about it, if people were smart they would pay off their morgages, those who don't own could buy a home and pay cash, and think about all the people who would buy new cars!!!! The morgage and car companies wouldn't need a bailout.

Feb 2, 2009 12:59 PM

Guest :

Our world today has been damaged in a lot of ways.Although receiving a stiumulus check would be a quick and some what appropriate solution, the small amount for singles and married couples would only be a temporary fix. I think one of President Obama's greatest attributes is the hope he brings to a shaken country. When my check arrived last year, I payed a bill and only change was left. It was stated earlier that the auto industry and big business should receive aid with high interest rates (similar to how a person with bad credit is approved for any type of financing). The auto industry is too important to America to leave them to fend for themselves. They need a bail out. The loss of millions of jobs would be at stake at that point. Between auto workers and vendors, the world would pay a dear price for that brand of tough love. We all need to be more responsible in our spending habits, starting from the top of the financial food chain, all the way to the underpaid custodial worker. Yes on the stimulus check! Yes on better spending habits! And yes on President Obama for bringing hope! Please allow him time for his decisions to take effect. Things can only get better from this point.
God bless America!!!

Feb 4, 2009 12:27 PM

Guest :

I agree that the small stimulus amounts sent to the American people is not even a drop in the bucket to stimulate the economy. What about the disabled citizens and veterans with 2 or more other family members and are not receiving enough to live on let alone buy a car or a house. Try living on $1,500.00 a month with over 1/3 of that going out in rent. Then there are the utilities. If you have to buy propane to heat and cook with, you are looking at roughly $250.00 a month during the coldest months of winter to keep that tank filled. If you can't afford medical insurance (which you can't) then you have medical bills eating up the rest of your monthly income and that does not include the cost of gas for your car to get to your appointments. What is left to buy food with? This is just for a household of 3. The veteran gets his medical through VA clinics, but what of the other 2. This is below poverty level income. So, YES, I say give the money back to the people if our economy is to climb back up. Giving it to the car companies and the banks will not fix the problem. The companies that have already received a bailout have seriuosly missused what they were given. Those CEOs that have received large bonuses should have to return the money or be fined. Only the people can fix the problem if we have the money to buy.

Feb 5, 2009 12:45 PM

Guest :

Our economy is falling into a recession ,there are no jobs available ,Unemployment on the rise ,major corperation's looking for a bailout.Why might you ask. Our jobs are being sent over sea's to other country's so major corperations can save money on their payroll.Sure a stimulus would be great but, i think it would be better if company's wern't allowed to send job's to other countries and keep them in the good ole united states.That would meen more jobs for AMERICAN'S.and more money in our economy then there would be no need for further stimulus payment's and AMERICAN"S could afford to live once again.

Feb 6, 2009 10:03 AM

Guest :

Im a single mother of 1 and is not on foodstamps HUD or public assitance so I dont see nothing wrong with the president issuing out the stimulus to me its a good thing keep doing what you doing Obama.

Feb 7, 2009 1:29 AM

Guest :

i have not done the math but a 7 year old could if they choose to and clearly show just how badly the american citizens are getting robbed by our very own government and its unbelievable to me with all the intelligent men and women only a few brave humans have speak up and speak out about this our seed our glory our grand children their earth depends on all of us becoming stong in the lord and no longer being decieved by our own leadership while they have meetings with big shots they have just handed tons of money to at lux/hotels living it up and throwing it in the faces of a nation that is suffering horribly in varietys of ways needing the help of these very people who will not help to save anyone.if obama is serious about helping to solve the true crisis at hand he will take care of the true crisis at hand the suffering people need money and they need it now to keep their life a float why is it o.k. to give banks and failing business tons of money and not give money to the people who truly have to have it or the ripple effects of every human problem is going to grow like cancer what a sorry plan to not give the cure to the people while you can the government surely could not be that stupid as to not see where this nation is headed without money doesnt god tell you money answers all things the down side of that is what we see going on right before our eyes the love of money is the root of all evil!check out the word all. there needs to be some serious imediate help and quickly in jesus christ name i ask father god jehovah is a merciful loving god the holy spirit may they all not take the last train for the coast cause we sure need them to stay i hope you agree. sincerely ms sheppard Heavens Earthly Ministries Philadelphia peace to our heaven our earth and our universe.

Feb 7, 2009 8:10 PM

Guest :

I am a 21 year old. I may not be in as much trouble as most of you but I am tired of this government not helping the real families who need it most. As I have growing up, I have learned that you cant trust the American Governement really anymore, and I have been paying attention on everything about this Economy. It is so ridiculous how the government can just bail out these major companies and then you know what? The companies just hand out bonuses to their higher up employees. I dont know why they can't help the Hard Working Americans with families. Its all about the money to the rich! Greed is a powerful thing, and when greed takes in affect, there are always things that go wrong. I hate seeing people with families or the single hard working people for that matter, just loose all of their money and getting laid off. This whole government and all these major companies are all so corrupted. I also think that people are not going to just go out and spend their stimulus rebate checks. In these hard times people would rather save thier money for things they desprately need. All of the American people need more money than what I have been hearing, what is it like $500/singles and $1000/couples? The government needs to let the major companies learne from their own mistakes and start giving more money to the HARD WORKING TAX PAYERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

Feb 8, 2009 5:08 AM

Guest :

I CAN ASSURE YOU EVERYONE I KNOW WOULD SPEND A STIMULUS CHECK. IF WE WAS ABLE TO SAVE IT THE ECONOMY WOULD NOT BE IN THE SHAPE IT IS. ALL CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES EXPECALLY THE ONES ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY WOULD BE APPRECIATIVE AS THEY HAVE NO WAY OF GETTING GROCERIES OR MEDICATIONS. THIS GREAT COUNTRY SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BE A CHOICE OF FOOD OR MEDICATION.I DOUBT THERE WILL BE A STIMULUS CHECK FOR ANYONE AS POLITICANS HAVE NEVER LIVED ON A PENNY BUDGET SO ITS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEN TO IMAGINE THE DAILY STRUGGLE POOR TAX PAYERS GO THROUGH.

BUSTED IN OKLAHOMA

Feb 8, 2009 5:35 AM

Guest :

I have read all of the post on here and though I agree with some, I disagree with others. I am a commissioned sales person that works hard. Although, free money (no matter the amount) is always nice, it isn't going to work! The last stimulus check only gave 1.7% back to the economy. People held on to it for what ever reason. The truth of it all is that it is our money. We hav paid in through our taxes. I don't beleive that the banks should have een bailed out, no the auto makers. I look at my situation and heres what it looks like. I thought long and hard before purchasing my home. I financed at a little higher fixed rate with a large payment and short term. The end result, I own my home in less time and I bought and paid for it, not the tax payers. And, where did the bailouts get us? The banks have tightened down even more no then before! I personally cannot afford a new 30k + vehicle, so wheres the benefit for me and my money. Yes, free money is always great but lets face it, is it really free? As one person said, the rich keep getting richer and the poor keeping getting poorer. I have worked hard all my life to have what I have (though it's not much). I think the stimulus checks should be for the working people that pay into the taxes and make less then 100k a year. I beleive our seniors living on limited income should receive a stimulus. (They worked and payed their taxes). However, I do not agree that people who receive free money every month for disability should receive anything, they receive it everyday free of charge! Let's face it I know of 10 - 15 people right now that receive checks for disability that are no more disabled then I am. There is a job out there that most of them could do, they are just lazy. And, that is not a disabilty. Now, before you start attacking me, yes there are some who are trully disabled and should receive some assistance. However, if it were trully going to be fair look at it this way. I get up everyday and drive to work, I pay for car repairs, gas , etc. If I were crying disability, I would not have to pay these expenses, nor would I have to pay into the taxes.
In closing I would like to say, instead of bailing out theses corporations, bail-out the american working people who struggle everyday. Split the bailout between all tax payers with incomes below 100k yr. and for our seniors that have already paid in. A stipulation could be made that you had to pay off what ever bills you could, that will jump start everything

Feb 9, 2009 9:32 AM

Guest :

I think that instead of getting into more debt nationally that the government should start a loan program of their own.

Here's what I mean: The government starts a program where people apply for a loan that would pay off all of their debt. It would be similar to the student loans. Those are signature loans, but because they are governmental loans they have to be paid back. In bankruptcy, they are called priorty debt. Also similar to fed tax owed.

The program would be that the government would have an interest rate of 1.5 to 2% above prime. People could apply, listing all thier debt, and then pay on payment to the government over a 30-40 year period with no penalty for early repayment.

This way the government not only helps it's people, but itself as well. They could take the money made on the loans given and pay that towards the national debt. So they've killed two birds with one stone.

Well, at least that's my idea. It may not be perfect or it may need work, but I think it would help everyone.

Feb 9, 2009 9:53 AM

Guest :

hi im 16 from hutchinson kansas i think soe of the money should go to the kids to help out pay for collage,first car,and even to donate to cherities. the ccildren would help out mort than the adults becosethey spend money everywere.this will help alot....

Feb 9, 2009 4:26 PM

Guest :

Thanks goverment!! because of you my work is going under and I cant afford to support my family. Every day i go deeper into dept and im wondering what im going to do when our company goes completely under.
what is a $1000 stimulus payment going to do? Stop my dept from increasing for a month. This sucks fix our economy please and give us back some more of that hard earned cash that we worked for, not you.
I bet your kids are not concerned about how they are going to get new clothes and why they have to eat top ramen. I think I speak for everyone on this, HELP!!!

Feb 9, 2009 9:48 PM

Guest :

Whoa, I think all Americans should learn how to spell and/or proof read! Also, I agree with dropping the bailouts for the companies and instead bailout the working American people. We are the ones who will jump start the economy.

Feb 10, 2009 12:22 AM

Guest :

Mr. President I am not trying to sound disrespectful to you because you just came into this mess and you are trying to help fix the problem, but your shoes cost more that what you are considering giving to a whole family. Think about that. How much are those nice ties you wear? My guess is at least $2000 or more. And a couple hundred bucks is supposed to buy what for myself and my four children? A shopping spree at the salvation army on 50% off Friday???? I mean c'mon sir think about it. The shoes I am wearing right now cost me 8 bucks. But the senate is arguing over passing this or not and at the end of the day they are hopping in their $80,000 vehicles and going to their vacation home, or regular home, or summer home, or townhouse in florida or their cabins off in their little utopia they call life with all their money. What makes them so special? And they are trying to deny me a few hundred bucks to help take care of my children and myself. I am a single mother working full time for the last ten years and I cant even buy groceries. I have to get foodstamps and get looked at like a piece of garbage everytime I use my "EBT" card at the grcoery store. So thanks a million. Selfish...just selfish!!!

Feb 10, 2009 12:25 PM

Guest :

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Feb 10, 2009 8:12 PM

Guest :

so what if the stimulus is used to pay back debts or catch up on bills its helping the working/non-working citizens of USof A. it would keep us form seeing depression physical and financial. Yes, I am a college graduate and in all caps or not the message is still the same, if our young ones can die for this country there should be a way to take care of the people in our own hometowns in AMERICA! If we cant pay our bills our credit is ruined and when that happens we might as well paint the poooooor house because we will be in it a long time. I work 40 hours plus and still live paycheck to paycheck no luxuries! closed mouths cant be fed! Americans now is the time to speak up. food stamps and medical care should be available to the poor and needy citizens of the United States, if America can continue to feed other countries and fight other countries wars we can feed our people.So sorry to inform most of you, your taxes cant take care of 1 needy
American child it takes much more than that

Feb 11, 2009 1:44 PM

Guest :

After reading alot of these comments i have come to a couple of conclusions! America is full of people that just expect handouts all the time! Have you ever thought of maybe picking up a second job or eliminating some of the things that you dont really need? Stop begging the goverment to help you out. My parents raised four kids very successfully and half of you are complaining about one! Have you ever thought that you brought the child into the world? You knew the responsabilities that come from that! Then I read that people are complaing that $1000.00 isnt enough! Give me Give me Give me Thats all you people want. One of the complainers was talking about his $17000.00 car loan, now sir did you really need a $17000.00 car? I dont believe you did. I am 20 years old, i go to school full time and work the as much as i can. I live in an apartment and pay my own bills. You dont hear me begging and whining about a hand-out. You people really need to get a clue and stop your complaining. I can almost bet that 99 percent of you complainers brought your debt onto yourself by being careless. To all the people that pay your mortgages and live within your standards. Keep paying your bills on time and never are late on a payment! GOOD FOR YOU! You deserve a pat on the back! People like you are more of what we need in this great country.

Thanks

Feb 12, 2009 10:18 AM

Guest :

All I have to say is that when I retire. I want ALL of my SSecurity money. Whether I need it or not! and I'm 30.

Feb 13, 2009 12:57 PM

Guest :

Their not thinking for the lower class ppl, they want ppl to go out an spend the money on things, to build the economy back up, but what their not understanding is, is that its getting so bad now that some ppl arent going to be able to spend it on leisure their going to have to spend it catching up on bills so they dont lose everything they have ( speaking for the ones that hasnt yet,) alot of ppl have already lost everything they have due to this, an the way things are going, it takes a normal working class person, 2 hrs worth of work to be able to buy a gallon of mile an a loaf of bread! now tell me thats right??

Feb 14, 2009 3:08 PM

Guest :

My mom lives with her 4 kid"s and two are 18 two are under 18 .she get s.s.i she is blind.she did not get a stimulus check last year.will she get one in 2009?Or will she not beable to help her 18 year old"s get acar so they can get job"s.

Feb 16, 2009 7:38 AM

Guest :

People this is your money to begin with, it is not the government helping you out. The government is a not for profit organization. If they would lower your taxes to begin with then you wouldnt need the stimulus. You would already have it in your pocket. The fact is the government thinks your an idiot. The way they generate money is by making you pay taxes, not by selling a good. Taxes are essential, but so is managing taxes for efficient use. Not for every research scientist program under the sun studing how crickets mate. If you were to cut employee tax, then you would instantly have more money in your pocket and so would your employer. For every tax you pay to the feds, you employer has to match. Think about it. Thats around 40% of your and the employers revenue. Basically for every 1 week your company works for itself, it also works a week for the governement. Cut taxes, reduce "WASTELESS" spending and give the people THEIR money back. This will free up citizens to spend more (Creating more revenue with sales tax) and allow companies to begin hiring (getting people off of unemployment). This is not rocket science, and you dont need the government for help. You just need them to quick "stealing" your money.

Feb 18, 2009 6:24 PM

Guest :

Hey I feel your pain. With the stimulus package as big as it is the government could have paid every american around 100,000 dollars and we could all have bought a house. People that rent can't get out of this rut and I am talking middle class.

Feb 20, 2009 10:48 AM

Guest :

I would like to know how the "no taxes for seniors making less than
$50,000 per year" is going to work.
What happens if you make $55,000 per year?
Is the $50,000 figure determined on gross income or net income?
Will someone please advise?

Feb 20, 2009 11:17 AM

Guest :

welll.
let me put it to you this way
i'm a college student.
i dont get ANY financial aid.
and why is that?
because supposably my mother makes too much money.
too much money to the government yet little for my family.
people have bills, mortages, and other utilities that are needed to maintain a family.
so how can people "HELP" the economy if all their hard earned money is going to BILLS. so YES every american should be entitled to a check. except people who take advantage of the goverment and lie about their kids being disabled or other lies that are shameful. THEY shouldnt get anything. why is it that i see women buying food with foodstamps yet their driving an escalade. sorry i didnt get the memo that stated we could drive top of the line cars and still get FREE FOOD. does that make any sense to you. because clearly it makes no sense at all to me. this check would help. tremendously. beggers cant be choosers. so whatever amount people get they should be content. its the least this messed up government could do for its citizens.

Feb 23, 2009 12:11 PM

Guest :

I just find it so sad that we live a country that is so rich yet so poor, intelligent yet so ignorant. With our own people having to beg for help, the very people that keep this country alive. Yet our money goes else where to feed, cloth,keep alive and... other country.

Feb 24, 2009 12:53 AM

Guest :

allow me, as a non-American to comment on what is obviously the world's most important economy (at least for now).
Most of what I have to say amounts to questions, not answers.
I still cannot quite believe this is happening.
I truly hope Obama's scheme works, but I would like to see a more studious and erudite analysis of deficit spending. Yes, I've heard of J. M. Keynes, but I wonder exactly what that academic said, and what he would say were he alive today. And was he correct, anyway? Can a country really spend its way to prosperity?
It does surprise me that someone as educated as Bernanke seems relaxed about this extraordinary spending spree.
There is something unreal about a massive spending plan coming from a government which is already in debt. Or is this a case of spend now, pay later? Just how is this huge outlay affordable at a time when the economy is contracting? Deficits are a necessary evil, not a virtue, and the Federal deficit ought to make any US citizen lose sleep. I see Obama talks about halving the deficit by the end of this term. That objective is obviously essential, but I doubt it is sufficient. And how can it possibly be done without very big cuts to spending or by increasing taxes?
Obama must be making the assumption that everything will be rosy in a couple of years. Sounds absurdly optimistic to me. If an economy can grow without national savings, then it could happen. But the depletion of savings is now international, so who can lend to the USA?

Feb 26, 2009 8:42 AM

Guest :

You do relize the stimulus check is not free money,it is an advance tax credit from your 2009 taxes,this means when you file your taxes in 2010 you wont get as much back because you would have gotten it early.Alot of people are finding this out this year from last years check.So i would hold onto it and not blow it because you just might need it.Its funny they call it a stimulus check but does the government really think people are gonna go out and spend the money and it will help the economy?????

Feb 26, 2009 1:56 PM

Guest :

With so many people out of work I think the unemployed who have been working all of this time should also get the same treatment as someone who hasn't lost their job in these tough economic times. It's not by personal choice that you get laid off. So many hard working peolple have been affected and I don't its fair that the unemployed should have to settle for less. These people are not receiving anything close to what they we're earning at their jobs. Especially single people, single parents and the elderly. The stimilus amount should be same across the board.

Feb 26, 2009 3:05 PM

Guest :

Lets give the money to familys and help them out of the binds that they are in from being laid off and taking forever to get the uc. Why not bail us out since actually we are the ones that will be paying it back with out tax dollars not the banks Ohio

Feb 26, 2009 8:16 PM

Guest :

I think having another stimulus check is a bad idea. Think about the cost of it and how much our current debt is. Right now its almost $11 trillion dollars. The cost of another check would add about $750 billion to that. Is it really worth it? I understand that with the way the economy is we could all use some extra money. But on the flip-side, our government is the biggest reason it's the way that it is. I doubt Obama is going to change much if anything. If they used our hard earned tax dollars on something useful it would help pay off a little debt. Another stimulus check is just putting a band-aid on a HUGE problem. Its not worth it. They should just lower our freaking taxes. I could even use more money but I'd rather have less taxes. (we all know that with this American government, that will NEVER happen).

Feb 27, 2009 3:30 AM

Guest :

Government spend to mucho money in Irak so Bush and Cheney get rich. Too much money to save banks and corporations that steal our money or take our jobs aboard. So is not only to third world countries. And to many people filing bankruptcy because they live the great lives with credit cards. To much money we owe now to the chinese gov. is unveliebable . We owe money like poor third world country. Latin america is doing better now than the USA and we never pay attention to them, maybe bacause that.

Mar 16, 2009 10:22 AM

Guest :

hello to everyone. i am a hard working mom of 2 precious children. i work hard for my money. you work to pay rent, car, bills, clothes for children, shoes, supplies for their school ect. every other month they need cothes or soemthing. i really hope they send us a check thought the mail it would really help those who really need it.

Mar 24, 2009 5:13 PM

Guest :

I believe that Bush spent to much money on things that weren't necessary, besides getting richer. I believe Obama should just stop the war. We must defend ourselves from terrorist & terrorism not terrorise others. Lower taxes that way people from lower income can survive at least a little of this mess. Please do something about it, and about stimulus, if its going to affect us later on, then dont give them. Leave Mx border alone, even with militaries, they're still going to cross illegality. To much money is spent there as well.

Mar 26, 2009 1:16 PM

Guest :

I wonder if anyone posting on this forum has an education higher than 4th grade! Sheeesh! The grammar and spelling are atrocious. It makes me a bit embarrassed to be an American if this group is representative of our adult population with respect to general intelligence.

Mar 28, 2009 9:07 AM

Guest :

If the government would stop all the senseless spending & step in to reduce fincancial problems (i.e.- regulating oil & energy companies, fining businesses for price gouging, paying $80 for a roll of toilet paper...$120 for a hammer, et al) then the average working taxpayer would not use the stimulus check to try to dig themselves out of a financial hole. Instead, they would use it to spend on purchasing items to STIMULATE spending & businesses. This is not a new problem...just the fact that it's getting out of hand from the fed's side. Get them to start working FOR THE PEOPLE & LISTENING to Joe/Jane Average (as they are SUPPOSED to) & these finacial issues will decrease. Our politicians are just that...politicians who don't care about the citizens they are supposed to be working for. They reach their political position & forget what it was like to be the average working man/woman. This is the root of most of the problems & the government DOES need to step in to regulate some of the resources so Joe & Jane Average do not have to work two jobs just to make ends meet. Treat the disease...NOT the symptoms.

Oct 6, 2009 11:03 AM

Guest :

I am a mother of 5 children ranging from 17 to 6 and it is not easy to raise them on a minnimun wage job, schools are getting to be so expensive these days an i think it is ridiculus what it costs. My husband lost his job back in June 2009, an we had to wait until August before he rec. any unemployment, that put us far behind on all our bills & things the kids needed for school & buying food to feed them with. I think that the stimulus checks are a great ideal, but i agree with a few of these comments. they need to recalculate the level of money for singles & couples & with dependents. I hear all about these bail outs for big banks & other countries, but what i don't understand is how the government says we the people are this country well then take care of us, since we do pay for all this money thats going to other countries & lining the pockets in these big corporations, u think we are dumb, but we are not. We need the help from our country & you are no where to be found, thats pitiful if you ask me. I don't see you knocking on my door asking me if i need help with anything, us hard working tax payers just love our gov.(haha) HELP US NOW!!!! We the americans of the US need the most help & we get kicked to the curb, thats wrong. Come live in my world for a few days and i bet you'll be wanting to go home to your lifestyle & the no worries. Concerned citizen