Second Stimulus Package
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Back in June, Democrat Presidential nominee Barack Obama suggested that a second stimulus check was necessary. I wrote about it because this was hot on the heels of the first stimulus check and it appeared as though Obama was catering to the masses. In reality, he was running point on a proposal House Democrats were pushing because so many of their proposals were left out of the first stimulus package.
With the credit freeze only now thawing, with both consumer borrowing and spending down, and with the prospects of a weak retail holiday season and rising unemployment, a second stimulus package designed to give our economy a shot in the arm looks pretty appealing now. Even Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, in testimony given before the House Budget Committee, endorsed the idea of a stimulus package. More importantly, the White House said it would consider additional spending measures; it’s not an all-out endorsement of a second package but it’s better than flat out rejection.
Before anyone gets all giddy, most experts are saying nothing would happen until after the November 4th election. As it stands, most reports are saying that most of the proposals being pushed for the second stimulus package involved measures that were dropped from the first stimulus package. Those proposals included infrastructure improvements and extension of unemployment benefits & food stamps, all told costing about $150 billion or more.
Specifically, Speaker Pelosi wants to bring back a $61 billion House-passed bill:
- $37 billion in public works spending (infrastructure)
- $6 billion for jobless benefits (unemployment)
- $15 billion to help states pay for Medicaid bills
- $3 billion in food stamp assistance
- A stimulus check (tax rebate) of some kind, though no details
I am not a fan of the “stimulus check” concept (is it really spending if we are just borrowing from the future?) and I don’t see how all the other spending is going to stimulate the economy (it’s said that the public works spending could be implemented very quickly, thus producing jobs… but it’s public works, that just sounds like it would take a long time). Jobless benefits and food stamp assistance will lessen the pain but they don’t stimulate the economy. Finally, in most states you already get twenty-six weeks of unemployment, that’s six months, isn’t that fair?
I guess we’ll have to see what gets proposed.
(Photo: Sam Turner)
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Tags: 2008 Tax Stimulus Package, Barack Obama
Oct 21, 2008 | Read more in Personal Finance
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Hey, what’s another $61 billion? Funny thing is, they could’ve paid for this bill and had money to spare if they hadn’t stuffed the $700B bailout with another $100B+ of pork.
The idea is based on Keynesian Economics – a full exploration of the subject can be found via wikipedia but here is an excerpt (the link is included so I don’t hit your spam blockers):
Keynes argued that the solution to depression was to stimulate the economy (”inducement to invest”) through some combination of two approaches :
- a reduction in interest rates.
- Government investment in infrastructure – the injection of income results in more spending in the general economy, which in turn stimulates more production and investment involving still more income and spending and so forth. The initial stimulation starts a cascade of events, whose total increase in economic activity is a multiple of the original investment
You highlight why you understand public works moving its way through the economy; a stim check and food stamps would do the same thing (theoritically speaking of course).
I am a supporter of fiscal stimulus to drive growth, but the government has got so many initiatives on hand with a seemingly myopic view that I question how many of these programs will actually work. For example an earlier direct to consumer $50 billion stimulus package, provided a lift to consumer spending of 0.4 percent in May, but dried up after that. Similarly the 2008 housing relief bill did not save the housing market or GSE’s – Freddie and Fannie. Despite being politically popular, both examples of fiscal action failed miserably. With the floodgates of government spending opened, it is likely that our financial chiefs and lawmakers will keep on coming back for more. We are essentially spending away our futures to save the political and financial backsides of those people who got us into this mess in the first place. When are we going to have a real long term economic plan!
Of all the proposals, putting money into infrastructure makes the most sense. Our infrastructure is deteriorating (or deteriorated in many places) and bad infrastructure hurts business and the economy overall. The additional jobs would get people working and give them money to spend, boosting the economy further.
Other than that, the rest won’t do much, and another stimulus check would be essentially pointless.
I think another stimulus check is a mistake. The government doesn’t want to admit that we are in a recession, and so they’re using this technicality to get around it. If they can stimulate the economy every other quarter, then there won’t be two quarters of negative growth, and thus, no recession. At least, technically speaking.
I’d be fine with the infrastructure as that can quickly create jobs and such, but the fiscally responsible thing to do would be to look at budget cuts in other areas that don’t tie directly to the economy versus just adding it onto the already out of control national debt.
@Andy:
My belief is that the first stimulus plan actually hastened the fall of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Everyone was so gung ho over their $600 checks that most people overlooked another provision of the bill. It increased the amount of “conforming loans” from $417K to about $750K. Thus, it forced these GSEs, who were already facing a cash crunch, to outlay even more cash to buy these larger mortgages. Not only this, now every failed loan would cost the GSEs even more money, due to their larger size.
It’s just another example of one part of government working against another part. This is why I advocate a much smaller government, one that isn’t so involved in every bit of the market.
That said, I do generally supprt increased government expenditures in infrastructure. This is one area that I do believe government should be involved in. Due to lack of funding, our roads, bridges, water, sewer, and other infrastructure is simply falling apart. Meanwhile, countries like China are rapidly catching up with us, and in certain aspects are even surpassing us. Just look at China’s new Beijing airport terminal. Stuff like that shows how China is rapidly moving towards surpassing us as a world superpower.
This has nothing to do with the second stimulus check or anything but the last paragraph of your article.
Have you ever looked into the actual unemployment benefits? It isn’t like you get 6 months of your salary. When my spouse was unemployed, before taxes his benefit (the maximum in the state we lived in at the time) was $300/week. This was 7 years ago now, so the benefit now is probably higher but even so, it wasn’t like he got paid what he was earning before (or, even half of what he was earning before) for 6 months to look for a new job.
It is good there is something but I wouldn’t call it good insurance against being unemployed for a short time.
I favor the infrastructure investment but I’m biased, I’m the engineer that designs your roads and mass transit and would directly benefit. It’s true our infrastructure is in terrible shape and we will have to pay to fix it at some point, why not go ahead and do it.
Yes, I am for the second-stimulus package. I am a family of 4 and my husband has been laid of from Sheetmetal Union, because there is no work, and I have been cut to 32 hours a week at my job.
Whoever made the comment about collecting 6 months of unemployment, yes your right, you do get 6 months. Your weekly benefits in Illinois is half of what you would make at your job and after the 6 months if there still is no work due to recession, then how are we suppose to support our families? Buy food, pay bills, etc. Please answer that for me since you think the way unemployment is set up now, that is fair?
I have had to change careers and so can sympathize with those with “no work” but if you have a family its time to go to work… there is a fast food job available, in fgact you can work two of them. If that doent do all that you need, sell your house etc. and MOVE to a area in the country with better work. FAIR would be NO Unemployment Benefit for ANYONE that isnt injured or retarded. Taking care of truely Indegent is a moral resposibily, but taking care of you because you think its worth $25 hr to work sheet metal is rediculous. The unions prop you up saying that you are skilled workers… Training that can be done in less than a Year or two is NOT SKILLED.
@Michelle:
Find a job in a different industry.
Move to a different location where there are jobs.
Create your own job. Start a business. Become an entrepreneur.
There are a number of options. But it takes work. You can’t expect work to fall in your lap. You have to look for it, work for it. That’s why it’s called work.
right on rick.
i am sick of everyone thinking they deserve a hand out. Americans are becoming entirely too reliant on the government.
don’t put all of your eggs in one basket, including your career. have a backup plan/side income at all times. you are foolish if you have fixed expenses that you cannot cover if you are suddenly faced with hardship.
6 months is long enough to find a job. if you cannot find a similar job to what you held previously, take something a little less so that you can still put some bread on the table. if you cant scrounge up a few dollars an hour after searching for 6 months, it may be time to find a new place to live.
worse case, sell your possessions and buy only necessities. by the way, the internet is not a necessity. there is the first expense you can cut.
I’ve sat here and read all of the comments and all have their points. We all have our opinions based on our experiences.
Michelle I understand you:I agree with the stimulus checks, I was unemployed for 7 months. Was I looking for a job? Yes. There was nothing out there,( I had to go through a temp agency, took a month for them to find me something. I was giving a list of other temp agencies to go to and phone numbers were disconnected and 3 were not taking any applications.) I am mother with two children and a finance who’s work got cut from 40 hours to 20. Now I am currently working through the temp agency and the company that I am at is cutting hours and have gotten rid of 4 other temps due to the economy.
Bryan: sure the internet is an unnecessary expense but that’s what helped me look for a job. (considering the majority of companies you have to apply by internet.) If you sell your possessions (that money will only last for so long and then you will have nothing!!!)
Rick in order to accomplish the things you mentioned you have to have money or good credit or money for gas. All of that is hard to have if you not working and have a family.
Needless, to say something needs to be done, that will help those who are in need at the economy in the end!!!
it is not our fault that the government screwed up. i will accept any finances that the government offers to give me – that’s called survival. i need to pay my rent and buy food.
the only one who can clean up this financial mess is Barack Obama because he truly cares and want to make things better for us. i hope the security guards are staying close to his side to protect him. i need him to show me a better world – people coming together – for a good cause -themselves.
If you actually believe that Barack Obama is the answer to everything that is wrong with this country you are in for a rude awakening. He has outright told every single one of up he lied about the things he would do to get elected. Every politician lies to some extet, and he is just pandering to the masses “it’s going to take time”, more like never.
Anyway life is bad all around, make it better for yourself and don’t make the government responsable for everything in your life. It’s hard, I know, but it is more than atainable to stand on your own two feet and take care of yourself with your own two hands.
I cannot believe anyone in here and I mean anyone can believe Barack Obama is a good thing for this economy—we are in for a rude awakening and it’s not going to be pretty. We all need to hold on, because that’s where he is taking us. NO WHERE: It scares me he is the president of this country
I think Amercian need to be more realistic, Obama was brave enough to assume the responsibility of thrillion of dollars deficit inherited from the previous administration. You cannot see anyone who inspite of this reality he stood up for people who believed in him. I think being a leader of a country specially like American is tough because people are used to being content and never felt deprivation from their goverment. I think it is absolute bravery on Obamas part.
WHAT !!!!!!!
If you think that we are heading for a better world you are surely mistaken.What other signs does the world need to see that the good lord is coming.There are to many innocent people suffering out there.
I am christian, but,
“What other signs does the world need to see that the good lord is coming.There are to many innocent people suffering out there”
Was WWII not enough suffering for the second coming? You think this is it?
Yes, I do agree !!!!!
If they could see the big picture of how many families are going through and crooked the governments are then this world would be a better place.
The more money they tell us we are going to recieve the more problems we will have later. We need the next president to be a man that is fearless and yet have a good heart.
I was wondering are we really getting another stimulus package and when Now that Nov. 4th is over time for congress to deside are we or aren’t we getting this check I’m a single mother and I could use this money to pay my bils and what ever is left over I will use wisely.
Look! We all suffer from all this crap. You tell me why we have to cut this and that and live like caveman again. STOP funding a war that we shouldn’t even be fighting. 10 billion a month! Am I the only one that finds this mind boggling. Were losing jobs,homes and everything else. Why must we lose good men and women as well? Get the hell out of there and spend the money where it belongs rebuilding the USA not some other country that doesn’t appreciate anything. Let them keep their oil. Let them eat their oil while their at it. Quit feeding them and focus on our starving and homeless. God bless america just doesn’t have the same meaning anymore to me!!!
I agree with you David!!!
You can tell the ones who have not been effected by this whole ordeal. They have the biggest problem with the second stimulus check and i see absolutely nothing wrong with it. Consider yourself blessed if you have not been affected by this screwed up job bush have done on the middle class and poor. At the end of the day money will have no value and we will be living off faith and love. Everyone is so selfish and angry to the point we dont and wont help one another. God has a plan where all the selfish rich people will be throwing there money in the streets to try and save their self and it wont save them. Our government done this and I respect obama to the fullest for steping up to try and fix this mess. That was apart of the rich folks plan to have us living under these conditions until god blessed with obama. People should realize this by now the devil can not do anything with out our father permission. If you never had faith in jesus before you need him now, that is the only way to survival and in the gates of heaven. People please realize this life wasnt meant to be forever and its not much left here for us. The fight isnt ours to fight its between god and the devil we need to be postive instead of being so negative. All the lord wants from us is to have and keep our faith only in him. Remember stress messes with us mentally, physically and emotionally lets over come this together and stick together rather this drought affected some of us or not. Yes, bush and our goverment has done the devil work but if they repent our father will forgive them so why cant we. God bless everyone
i completly agree its the rich people that are doing this to us they hate everyone but their own kind! haha come on get real
Thank god for another stimulate check.
if we do get a second stimulus check how much do you think the check will be
I Will Take A Second Stimulus Check, And I Just Bet You Would Too……
I think we should get another stimulus check god knows we need it .God Bless!
Im so sick of people sayn there are jobs out there i live in the Elkhart IN area and there are 20% jobs here at least that are taking apps… Where i work is not that slow but is getting slower by the months you would be shocked how many people are there everyday puting in apps.. This is the RV capital of the world and we have had one of the largest hits of all. Its so easy to say move and cut spending sorry my wife and I dont do ANY xtra and we are still short on our bills the only thing we have xtra is Internet yes maybe we dont need it but its one thing if not the only thing we do that cost money…I think another stimulus check is a good thing. There is not a month that passes that we dont worry about where we are going to get our food from or how we are going to pay for our home…Yes everything happends for a reason and i do put My life in gods hands .
I just hope something happeds fast so we can feel like we can breath again
Durring the 2008 Election . I heard very little mentioned about helping the Poor.. I have worked consistantly all my life. And paid Taxes. However do to many health problems, I can no longer work. And I and fighting a loseing battle to get disability.. I recently learned I have colon cancer.. I could have really used the last stimulus check.. But didn’t qualify. And don’t expect to qualify if their is a Second one.. I am still an American.. But don’t feel like I have been treated like one…
6 months enoough to look for a job. I am an educated woman in my early 30’s. I have certifications in the MR field. That is great if i could find a job that is not 30-45 miles away. ( gas prices, vehicle repairs, winter driving) to say the least. I have been offered a job in my field but i would have to stay at my job for 48 hours at a stretch…I have children, what am i supposed to do with them. My husband works nights already. I have applied at every local store, pizza place, restaurant, shoe mills)etc. in a 20 mile radius. They have consistently hired teenages over me. And how r u supposed to open your own business when no one is buying anything, much less services.( childcare, housekeeping, in home care). So yes an unemployment extension would help until the economy comes back around, or our jobs stop being sent overseas. It is time to rebuild america, not china.
And in response to the gentleman who said that we should sell off our belongings to survive., sell what, my kitchen table. Or maybe my vehicle. I have a computer that i bought back when i was working, before i got laid off, it is so outdated i might get 100.00 for parts. Don’t judge or expect that everyone is just out their for a handout, waiting for a job or money to fall in their laps. But remember that I like you are just trying to do the best for my family and children in an uncertain economy. This is not a third world country and our children should not have to live like it is.
A SECOND STIMULAS CHECK WOULD BE GREAT! MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH WORK EVERY DAY AND STILL HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MET. NOT EVERYONE IN THE US IS BLESSED WITH HAVING MONEY OR SOMEONE IN THEIR FAMILY PASSING AND LEAVING THEM WITH MONEY.
FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WORK EVERY DAY AND STILL HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES AND NOT SITTING ON A NEST ESGG NEED HELP!!!
the idea of adding weeks to unemployment is great for workers who cant find jobs…but how about increasing limits on checks with the rate of inflation. I collected 18 years ago in maine and the check was 198.00..in that time it has increased a mere 8.00 per year…what a joke…i realize something is better than nothing and we’re grateful to have it but how does one live on this?
I WORK EVERYDAY ANDI NEVER HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT OVER TO BY ME SOMETHING NICE IT’S EITHER BUY FOOD OR PAY YOUR UTILITIE BILL WHICH I THINK IS A BIG RIP OFF SO A STIMULUS CHECK HELPS ME A LOT AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BE BAILED OUT INSTEAD OF BIG GREEDY BANKS BEING BAILED OUT WHO GOT THEM SELVES IN THIS SITUATION IN THE FIRST PLACE HELP THE ONES WHO WANTS TO HELP THEMSELVES PLEASE THANK YOU
Hey Rick it costs money to move. I just moved twice within 1 year and its very expensive so if your already without a job how do you think someone could manage that especially if you have children? I’m curious.
I’m with the stimulus check, see, if we didn’t have big government and they had not forced all this modernization onto the American people, we would have plenty of land to grow things, and plenty of forest to hunt. We wouldn’t have to have 9-5 jobs that don’t pay the rent. We could just move if things got bad, we could just work harder if we needed more. Things are the way they are because of people’s greed. I have never been greedy a day in my life, I was raised upper middle class America, and I have an education. However, me and my husband, just make ends meet, and can grab the unexpected expenses in a while….We could take care of our family if we weren’t in a modern world, however, the government says our children have to be in schools…..if it weren’t for this, and all the modernization of our landscape there would be no problem. So yes, a government that messed my life up before I was even born does owe me something.
I was laid off in Feb from a job I had for 5 years. I have 2 children, one of whom is autistic and was on SSI. In addition to losing my insurance along with my job, my son lost his SSI because although my income was less than half, it was “unearned” and so counted differently. My insulin costs $200 a WEEK…that doesn’t include other meds.
I’ve always prided myself on being very frugal. We cook at home 6 nights a week, no leftovers are ever wasted, lunch was always a brown bag. My coworkers used to laugh. When I bought my house 6 years ago I bought WELL within my means.
“Luckily” I was found to be diabled by the SSA within 2 months of my app and started gettingpayments 5 months after my work ended. Meanwhile, my retirement fund is gone, my kids have no insurance, and my husband finally found a job but of course no bens there either.
If anyone out there is too proud to take a stimulus check should the govt send one, email me – I promise to put it to good use.
PS We haven’t owned a car we had to pay on in 15 years. We live on a cash basis. This is probably why I didn’t lose my house.
I think it is so funny, that the wealthy need help from the Goverment, and the middle class suffer. I will take my stimulus check and why should you care were the money goes, its not coming from you……
well this is what i say about another stimulus check please send one we need it very much but i hav,ent hard anything about it sence his first talk about it it,s like he,s forgot about it.sometimes i think it was just talk will see.i hope he,s don,t lie like the others just too get in.
I think putting more money to the state medicaid programs is a MISTAKE! The medicaid programs need to be more strict on who they let on. I understand that there are people out there that need help, but I get SO tired of seeing people live off the state. I don’t think women who sit at home having babies every year and don’t know how to get a job should get medicaid. I’m sorry, but I don’t. I don’t think illegal immigrants should be eligible for medicaid. If they can’t go through the legal process to be an american, then why should the US tax payers be spending money to pay for their healthcare? That’s bull. Medicaid was made to help struggling familes who’s children, and some adults, who can’t afford healthcare can get help. It was not meant for losers who don’t want to get a job or follow the rules.
I don’t think the stimulus checks are a good idea either. As much as I would love to get another $600 check sent to my mailbox, I know that it is just a waste of time and money. The government needs to focus on things that will actually help the economy. And if they do decide to send out those checks, I don’t think everyone should get one. I think they should be limited to low & middle-class WORKING americans. If you’re living off the state and don’t want to get a job, then why should the government give you any more money. The people who deserve that free money are the people who are trying to make ends meet and just can’t seem to get there.
I Agree
I am not tired nor upset with anyone. People have a right to an opinion, but i feel no one should complain about anything. Yes, there are women not working and having babies. Yes, people could move to a diffrent place to find jobs. Yes, people are crossing the american border. So what. That is not why the economy is decimtaed. We as a people have to learn and understand that our lives are temporary, why are you worried about what someone else in a different city is doing. Why are you being selfish for other people. You might not live to see tomorrow. Stop Complaining and troubling yourself with what americans are doing in their spare time. Live the life you have left and enjoy. Be Joyous and let God take care of what we won’ let Him.
Before you throw insults and ignorant hateful words around- try putting yourself in others shoes and walking around for a bit.
single Mom supporting a special needs child…barely making ends meet. Sometimes there are no easy fix answers- you MAY think there is, but when you get down to it- it just doesn’t work. Keep your chin up and keep smiling!
) Tomorrow is a new day. Be nice to yourself and others.
Merry Christmas everyone and I sure HOPE we DO get a 2nd Stimulus Check.
If all else fails, keep some humor. “…Smile and wave boys….smile and wave…”
I hope the government will make the right choices to send out a second stimulus check I am a single mother and I am trying my best to make my money last but they really do need to send them out it would help alot of people. Everyone work really hard to make end meat and the American People need the government to be smart and send out a second check. Merry Christmas to all and I hope we all have A great new years
I think that everyone who is saying that a second stimulus is a mistake is not being honest. I put everything that I own on it. Yeah, they say that, but as soon as they get it they will go and spend it and that is the truth and they know it. There are some people who did not get a stimulus because they did not qualify for it and they are just mad that they did not get one and that is why they are saying that they think that a second stimulus is a mistake. I think that it is a great idea and I feel that it will help this country and they all know it. Stop lying you all who say that they think that it is a mistake is not being honest. That is my opinion and I don’t care this is how I feel.
Well Im All for a second stimulis check because we are really struggling and that would really be a help to some families who are barely making it .
i wish we would hurry up and hear when we are going to recieve the stimalas check i am in debt up to my ears i wonder how much it is going to be and if my family quailifies.
don’t feel bad i don’t even have a home,apt. i live in my sisters driveway theres no room at the inn. have no job temporary services can’t even find me a job
Well, I believe that the purpose of the stimulus checks are to help “stimulate” the economy, but what is the point in that if when there are people out there such as myself who have been unemployed and are in debt? If I can speak for myself, the check will be going towards debt. Now how is that stimulating the economy? So to me there are pros and cons….. but I sure cant wait to get it in the mail and hopefully it will be more than $600 this time!!!!
Mine was only 300 so be glad you got 600!!!
I think that another round of checks would help the poor who desperatly need it. If the government wasn’t so into giving themselves a huge raise every couple of years we wouldn’t need it. I would love for anyone of them to trade paychecks with me and live on the measly $14,000.00 a year I make. That is for a family of 4. I work for a State agency how pathetic.
well were do you start alot has gone on in the last year. Rebate checks would be nice,better schools like the no child left behind needs lots of improvement.I am a parent of 3 and wife that has ms so only 1 income and work very hard to make ends meet america needs change and we need to look out for are selfs if we get these rebate checks for 2009 lets do it right 300.00 or 1500.00 dont go to far I need a good car and supples for a sick wife and better education for my ad/hd son and other issues that I wont go into PRESIDENT OBAMA has the right ideas but will congress money hungry people allow him to do his work that needs to be done on america please President hear america crying fix it and fix it fast we need a bigger rebate check and america needs to spend it not save it.
I think a Stimulus Check is very much neede by the American People, but $600 is not going to do it. Instead of giving these greedy banks and Wall Street Cronies MILLIONS of dollars, this money should be given to the American People. I have a job and am thankful for that. I pray I keep that job and I am working 60 hours a week to be the best I can be so I am an asset to my employer. I earn less now than I did 10 years ago due to increases in insurance premiums and the cost of living. I walk on eggshells at work so I don’t get fired for the smallest thing. I have seen this happen as employers now have the pick of the crop for hiring people and everyone is replaceable! Unemployment should be 52 weeks and not taxed! It is barely enought to survive! I have never collected it, but I would never begrudge anyone who is laid off and needs it. And there are NO jobs out there. The McDonalds in my area is requiring college now! I am college educated but the whole world isn’t. And to move to another place? Who ever said that has surely never moved in these times. It take quite a bit of capital to move! If you have a home, you have to sell it. Good Luck and if you rent, you will need first, last, and current months deposits. Get real. Someone who is barely surviving is not going to be able to move! Pray God the new administration gets over this “trickle down” theory and begins to realie that when you break the Middle Class Working Peoples back, you break America!
It is a Tax credit not a stimulus check. It will be $500 for every working individual and $1000 for every working couple- additional if you have qualified dependents. If the Senate passes this in the next 2 weeks – we should be able to get it starting this May 2009. That’s if the Republicans do not delay it. The Republicans do not want to pass this – because they believe that there are too many social programs attached to this bill. I think Republicans are just mean-spirited.
A second stimulus check has its pros and cons. I didn’t get the first stimulus check because I was 17 under my parents. I’m now paired with my girlfriend, and declare myself independent.
A stimulus check is intended for people to go out and buy. By doing that we should be able to get more manufacturing and such. Jobs should be brought back and so on. You all know the rest. But, after everybody blows their stimulus check, we will fall into the same place.
We cannot simply pull every soldier out of war. Thats like if you had to get a heart surgery and the doctor stopped in the middle because he knew you didn’t have the funds to pay it. It’s okay to tell some people to leave, so its okay to pull some troops back. But we cannot just do a 100% withdraw. Its too dangerous, too risky, and too much of coward on us.
Times like this causes people to be greedy. They want to hold on to their money. The other day I went to a store to look around and I saw at least two people shoplifting. I considered doing the same since I have less than $10 for a week. But I decided against it.
But on the other hand, receiving a stimulus check would be very handy. I could pay off my credit cards, and still have a little money left over for myself. I work full time getting paid bi-weekly. About 70% of my check goes to bills, rent, gas, and grocheries, leaving me with hardly anything. My girlfriend just got laid off since she didn’t have any work to do. So now I support her as well with my 30% left over. Everyday I search for jobs for myself and for her, and we cannot find anything. Her mother sells a lot of old junk and gets hardly anything for it. It’s almost pointless to go and sell all your stuff because of depreciation.
But, my girlfriend and I don’t plan on just sitting here waiting for money to just pop in our laps. She looks forward to a stimulus check really bad. I just shurg and hope for the best. We plan on starting two businesses within the next year or two. If anybody else out there is trying to do the same, think of something unique to yourself that will generate business. For example, one of ours is going to be a computer repair shop. That is so common in this area, so that one will take a long time to get going. Our second idea is a beauty pageant, which there is only one in our location. So, seeing how there are beautiful girls (none as beautiful as my girlfriend!), and how the economy isn’t doing so well…we know we can get some contestants by charging cheap. And in the long run, we don’t plan on hording our income. We do plan on essentially recycling the money: going out and buying new products for us, for our kid (Kipper, he’s a dog
), and for our business.
To get the economy on our feet, we all have to make an effort. We cannot simply count on one person: Obama. I’m not a big fan of him, but I am also very open minded. One man cannot change a nation. We, the people, can. Stimulus check or not, we need to organize our money, make payments, and buy goodies here and there for yourself. Going out to eat doesn’t save money, I would know. Instead of buying doughnuts for $2, go buy a dozen of eggs for $2 and make yourself breakfast.
We didn’t become the 13 Colonies becaush Washington didn’t want to. No, we revoluted as one, and we became one. We can’t point fingers to the government, to different classes, to anybody. I grew up with my friend, who is upper class. Lived with my family, who is middle class, and now I live in the poor class. I almost starve each week because I care about my girlfriend and my bills more than myself. I don’t care though, I’m helping somebody, and it makes me feel good. Take a stand, and move on.
Oh, by the way. The second coming isn’t happening any time soon. I am christain as well. But I often question…is God really watching for us and carrying for us? It’s not a test in faith, because I still believe in him and Jesus. But, I also think in more logical terms. We came to this planet through unknown sources, and we will leave this planet on an unknown day. Every human, no matter their class, will travel in space some day. We will pull out of the depression we’re in. Just make an effort and give it time.
Sorry for the long post…it’s just my ideas and views on everything…which always tend to be correct? People think I have an extra “power” because I can predict the future so well. Ha. Well, back to working. Can’t get fired.
I THINK ANOTHER CHECK WOULD BE GOOD BECAUSE THERE IS SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE LOSING THEIR JOBS. WITHOUT A JOB HOW ARE PEOPLE GOING TO AFFORD THEIR HOUSE AND OTHER NEEDS.UNEMPLOYMENT DOSE NOT LAST A LONG TIME.THERE WILL BE MORE HOMELESS PEOPLE THAN WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE ATLEAST WITH THE 2ND CHECK IT WOULD HELP THEM OUT.I ALSO LOOK AT IT THIS WAY WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BAILED OUT WALL STREET OR THE CEOS OF THE CAR DEALER SHIPS. THE CEO WHO ARE TAKING THEIR CUTE OF THE TOP BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE THEY SHOULD BE THE ONES BAILING THEIR OWN COMPANY OUT AND NOT TAKING A HAND OUT FOR THE GOVERMENT BECAUSE THAT MONEY COULD HAVE BEEN USED FOR CANCER TESTING, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER THINGA RE COUNRTY NEEDS NOW.
I see where the auto makers and people that makes over 125,000. ayear gets a tax break. If I made that kind of money I don not see where I would nead a tax break. But what about the millions os people that only makes about 18,000. to 25,000. I think these people needs a check that equals the same amount as the rich.I am disable and on a limited income of 693.00 amonth and my wife works and gets about 1100.00 amonth. we have two teenage boys at home, ahouse payment, car payments, I think the goverment needs to help people like us before they give the rich more money.
How about we all get out and go to work. My husband was disabled (never put a claim on other Tax payers) and he continues to drive a school bus, mow lawns & takes photos for insurance companies— Yep…some of us may need to get a 2nd job (((oooh…might cut into TV or Computer game time, huh???)). Perhaps we need to put our kids out there and make them EARN some money instead of giving it to them so we can’t pay a bill later in the month. My kids know how hard it is to make a dollar (approx 55 cents goes to taxation) and they now only buy what they earn and they weigh their options. Should some responsibility, suck it up & quit looking for a hand out! Most of us are SICK & TIRED of working for those who don’t “feel” like they can or want to…..
could not agree more!!!!
It just kills me that when it comes to giving the taxpayers and public any personal help like a second “stimulus check” of their own money to begin with and all you hear is how that can’t help or change anything and would just cost sooooo much. Well what the eck did giving billions and billions of by the way our “dollars” to these big companies that obviously have extremely bad and unexcusable poor money management skills to begin with.It’s more like they are being rewarded than bailed out! I only see by doing this it has just about destroyed our economy, so why isn’t anyone asking WHY is our goverment even doing it? It seems like the solutions and idea’s they come up with for us are always exactly the same as far as the results they bring and that is to cut back on all social programs and keep cutting, schools, libraries etc. and of course find a way to raise taxes. Most important make sure all city and government offices get their raises. I am so tired of the people being told they need to cut back and be willing to go without more and more and to also expect the cost of everything needed to live to skyrocket in price. How can our suffering more always be the answer when it never ever changes anything and when is enough, enough!!Where does all this money go? How about we tell all city and government officials it’s time to cut back not only on the unreal amount of salaries they are recieving but forget raises period while the folks that pay their salary can’t even pay their basic bills, like rent, utilities and food not because they don’t want to work but because there isn’t any jobs! People are getting laid off by the thousands.Why are we paying enormous amounts of money to officials that are not willing to do what they are asking from us.
No,It is not fair that you only receive six weeks of unemployment especially when it was not your choice to become unemployed in the first place.My daughter was severely injured on the playground at school that caused me to quit my job , move in with my parents, and lose all my self respect.I would love to get up every morning to a 9 to 5 or and 8 to 4, but unfortunately the Government protects the school against fault, but constantly holds us responsible for every little thing. I also don’t like the stimulas plan how is it helping when all it is for us a loan that we have to payback. Now, come on how is this helping the economy when the extra money that we look for at the begining of the new year to pay off debts, or get something that we really need, or finally go to the doctor cause we have a little extra money gets taken because we supposedly got some help. You ask me it will hurt us more than it will help us, cause at this rate there is no room for getting ahead.
Interesting opinion by the author about most states and the 26 weeks of unemployment being fair. Under normal circumstances it is more than fair, but we are in a much different economic state right now. I have been a member of the workforce for 22 years, in the construction industry, and up until last year collected a total of 2 months of unemployment benefits. I worked for a great company and had a boss who did all he could to make sure all of his employees had 40 hour work weeks. Last January he was faced with a dwindling workload, and I found myself laid off. The company I worked for still exists, but the lack of work in the industry has made it impossible for me and a lot of my co-workers to be re-hired, or find employment with other companies. Without the previous extensions, and future extensions, many good, hard working people like myself will find themselves without the finances to pay for the basics of living, as well as transportation to get to work should a job be found. Even with unemployment, I have had to move back home. You want my opinion?? Make the morons (overpaid CEO’s) that ran companies into the ground fund the unemployment extensions. Why should people like that live lives of luxury when decent hard working people be out of jobs and struggling because of the CEO’s ineptitude?
Listen everyone if you get money from the government spend it and by AMERICAN NO MORE CHINA OR JAPAN ETC…. PRESIDENT OBAMA can help but it is up to the american people. Everything in this stimulis package needs to happen the Rep.want to drop the help for schools and the no child left behind and other stuff they call pork. UNITED AS ONE and so far its about dem and rep not about AMERICA I SAY DROP DEM AND REP. They say this package cost more than the war we are in well this is for AMERICA and we need it. I support trups 100% but not the 2 parties running AMERICA. AMERICA is this way because of all the money hungrey people and they know it.
Are all you people ready to jump out the window? If you have the money to spend, spend it. Why? give the job to the guy who can use the work. If we all spend what we can on things that can help our neighbors keep their jobs it will help us stop this spiral we are in (the same spiral that happens when i flush the toilet). Buy American, hire American, help build our economy.
I totally agree with this guy, we need to look out for our fellowman and not hire the immagrants and quit buying all these foriene products whether its a roll of tape or a $100,00.00 vehicle if at all possible try to get all the foriene products out of the U.S. so americans can only buy american made products and for instance Japanese will only by Japanese products it should not be that hard someone gave them permission to get started here and I am 99.99% sure it was an American.
It seems to me that the ones who do not work, are the ones that will benefit more with Obama’s plan. I have not read anything that states the American public will receive any of this money. It must be nice to be a multi million dollar company, that can claim backrupcy and have the governmnet bail you out. When I run up my own mess there is no one to help bail me out. I ran mind up going back to college, so that I can work in the public education system. The teacher loan forgiveness program that was to help me, rejuected me. Now I am stuck with thousands of dollars of debt and a government that refuses to help me.
A SECOND CHECK IS JUST WHAT WE NEED TO CATCH UP ON PAST BILLS ( LIKE ELECTRIC RENT )
ONCE WE CATCH UP ON PAST DUE BILLS WE WOULD PUT MONEY INTO THE ECONOMY BY SPENDING ON NEEDED CLOTHES SHOES EYEGLASSES MORE FOOD
NOT JUST HAVING TO LIVE WITH THE ABSOLUTE NESSERSARY THINGS
Here is my thought if they can give those thieving CEO’s of the auto industry a bailout, why then should the american people be forgotten? I hate that we gave these “business men” money to bail them out. If they would have given each american $10,000 just think how that would have stimulted the economy!! Just think how many lives that would have helped!! Yeah sure these companies need help but why should we pay for it? They were receiving such huge bonuses, 1 million and down come on now people, then they wonder why they are going down? I am lucky to make it week to week. It to me was a waste of money. $10,000 to each of us would have allowed some to buy cars sitting on their lots, pay off houses, pay off credit cards etc. the list is endless.
I am a disabeled parent that was injured working as a crossing gaurd protecting the children and for those who say we need to get a job just because thier husband is disabled and still works. should think twice about what they say because I have children and my work was taken from me and put me in a wheel chair so I think extra money can help those in need that truly need it. circumstances can change in the blink of an eye.
I totally agree with the statement to only have American products sold here in the US. The bad news is that’s a trade of for the Trillions our government has borrowed from them. So of course their gonna set up shop here. I don’t think you’ll ever see them leave.
how about they stop taking out federal taxes so we can put that money back in the economy
From some of the comments I have read it sounds to me like there are a few of those who are still bashing us Americans! IF it was that easy to work and get a second job I’m sure most of us would!!Have you not heard about how hard it is to find work? Have you not heard how many states are suffering because the companies have to let people go! Who is asking for a handout? Sounds like to me Michelle is just frustrated!And good for your husband that he can work, good for him! And FYI Im also married to a wonderful man who is 100% disabled and before he became disabled he worked very hard. Just because we are not in your shoes doesn’t give you the right to judge us!! You say “most of us are sick and tired of working for those who don’t feel like they can or don’t want to”! You don’t work for me and I don’t work for you!! You don’t sign my paycheck!Your mentality must be in some big city,because you are not thinking about the locations of where other people live! With populations of 500 or smaller.!! With the closest hospital or doctors office 38 miles away! We have 2 conveinence stores, 3 gas stations,maybe 5 operating motels!! SO before you go and try to judge a book by it’s cover maybe you need to read the pages first before you try to make assumptions and judements about us AMERICANS!!Maybe you are the one in reality looking for a handout?
I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WOULD PUT THERE REBATES CHECKS IN THERE SAVING’S OR PUT IT IN THERE CHILDREN SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR THERE FURTURE
I hope we get another stimulus check to help pay the bill and for my medical need it would be put to good use
If they give a 2 check we have to spend not save it. I do agree that having a bigger check would help out alot 10,000 will go along way that would get my credit cleaned up and afford to some shopping (dreaming sorry im awake now.) Never will happen and about auto industry yes ceo is the problem but it also has to do with UAW I would love to have there job at half the wage they make so job less or have a job and budget better. JUST SAY NO TO CHINA!!!! Americans buy America United As One.Stop the politic bull sh_t Unite and lets kick some Ash. President Obama you go change is what we need its in your hands and Americans we need to do the rest!
If they want to get things going again.Instead of bailing out the ones who have money. Why don`t they help the ones who don`t have money so they can get cought up on their bills and their house payments.If everyone could get cought up maybe they could stay that way.Keep the gas prices down and stop raising elect bills, food, the things people have to have to live.I know alot of people are not responsible with their money but not everyone is not like that.We just need a break.
i dont understand why we would put another dime into the welfare system?? what needs to happen with the foodstamp offices, when you go in to apply for assistance the young lady sitting behind the desk handing out applications should hand the applicant a cup and tell them in order for you to apply for assistance you MUST pass a drug urinalisis. we would do several things if we would only make this a law. #1. stop giving the addicts the funding to support their habbit #2 if you re3ally need help to support your family GET OFF THE DOPE
Wow everyone on welfare is not on dope. Some people from back in the days worked but didn’t have the benefits. I know a older person that is in the late 60’s that need that help because of only getting 500 a month. But not everyone on it is in need and I hope the ones on drugs have to work like everyone eles. No excuses.
i wouldnt agree more osha
i think that obama should give more money to the unemployment
well if you think you know everything well you should come and see wat we unemploment ppl do huhuhuhuhuhuuuuuhuuhhuh im sooooooooooooooooooooo mamamamaddddd
WELL I THINK WE SHOULD GET A SECOND STIMULUS PAYMENT,BECAUSE WE ALL NEED IT,IM FULL TIME WORKER AND A SINGLE PARENT OF FOUR BOYS AND THINGS ARE GETTING VERY EXPENSIVE,EVEN FOOD AND EVERYTIME YOU TURN AROUND WE ARE PAYIN FOR SOMETHING FOR THERE SCHOOL,LIKE FIELDTRIPS,@NON UNIFORM DAYS, ITS CRAZY BUT I JUST KEEP ON PRAYIN ABOUT IT,AND I KNOW OBAMA IS GOIN TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER FOR US..THANKS,A SINGLE MOTHER OF FOUR BOYS…
We the people are struggling out here; I lost my health insurance and I am totally disabled; my medications for each month total nearly $700.00 and for me to be without Health Insurance and wondering whats going to happen next I don’t know; I can hardly pay my bills; I am only making partial payments because I don’t have the money; I live on rammen noodles because it is a cheap type of food; who is going to help us out of this DEPRESSION?? businesses are laying off people right and left; businesses are closing there doors because they can’t keep a float; so don’t tell me that we are not entiled to a stimulus check for this year at least it is something; and our medicare is just a big joke; they won’t cover hardly anything; and what they cover isn’t enough; we need someone to help people who are trying to make ends meet; I know at first hand we need medicare to get it’s act together; I need help and I’ve been to so many different agencys at the court house and I get no help; can anyone help me??? thanx Tom
Well here in michigan we have same problems as everone. What you need to do is go to your local DHS and get some help food and ETC… also they have programs out there that the company that makes your meds will give them to you you just need to do some asking around to fine out the programs that are offerd. Wish you well.Does your state have a local health Building go there.Find the free clenics they will help with meds also alot of pharmacies offer $4.00 persictions God Bless
if we didn’t bail out the auto industry do you know how many jobs would be eliminated?….. obama said he would preserve or make 3 million jobs and bailing out the auto industry was the only way he could keep what he promised… and as for us Americans we rely way to much on our corrupt government…. bush didn’t completely cause this problem either because he cant pass things when ever he wants, it has to go through all mighty congress (which was partially democratic). in other words bush and republicans are completely to blame. and the creation of these “socialist” government programs doesn’t help our economy one iota
Well I have listen and read all of my fellow Americans problems we all have alot of the same issues we have to stick together and help one another the issue with AIG dont want to go there!!! Put 2 check will not happen only for ssi or ssd and retired government workers etc!! A fed tax break in your check is your stimulis. I think if we owe china or other countries then dont give them a tax cut or tax free for 5yrs make them pay more to set up shop in the U.S.A and take that put it back into AMERICA and the problem with Bush was that America was in a slump and he did nothing to help look what is happening now republicans have a hard time putting money or spending money on are economy lucky we have dems in the office or we wont be AMERICA!!
Some folks here seem confused. I receive SSDI because I am disabled. I was actually disabled while I was working, but lost my job when the disability overwhelmed my ability to produce.
SSDI is money I am entitled to – from the first real paycheck I earned at age 15 working in a stuffed animal shop to my last one 30 years later, I paid in to the social security system. Even when I was self-employed I paid in. Because I knew that this day could come.
I tried to get food stamps – we were entitled to less than $50 a month for a family of four – not worth the hassle. Medicaid? Not if you make over $300 a month in Texas. Which means my neighbor, who is an illegal immigrant and works off the books gets better health care than I do.
There is something seriously broken about this system.
(Oh yeah, I had to pay federal taxes on my ssdi benefits…)
Americans I agree with the person above me^ you do deserve to have your ssdi to havs insurance and thats what President Obama is pushing for my other statement is that people who work will see less fed taxes taken out and people on ssi or ssdi or goverment retiries will get a stimulis check so everyone is getting something and for people that are unemployed at this time will get 25.00 more a week in there unemployement check those who do nothing get nothing.Ther is a diffrence in ssi and ssdi ssi bgores of the income coming in from spouse and the person on ssdi gets more money still not as big as it should be but gets a set amount and just got a raise in what they get per month. When comes to taxes people on ssi dont have to pay on fed or claim it as income but you do on your state taxes goes by your state. Thats all for today God Bless.
sam do you live on unemployment, if you did you would not think 26 weeks is enough.
so many of us are stuggling, barely able to keep our heads above water, with all the money going to the big companies why couldnt that have been split between them and the people then we could have helped to stumlate the economy, but why help us little people . maybe we should pull up our tents and go to washington then it would be notices how bad it is out here