Basically I don’t believe in stimulus packages because under the current economy, most folks either use it to pay bills or to save it in case of potential need. And, via taxes, we’re going to have to pay it back in the future anyway as the government sinks itself into debt.
This newest idea is even stranger and less likely to stimulate anyone to buy a steak instead of hamburger much less grow back a stable global economy (yes, global, since most of what we buy isn’t produced in the U.S.A. any more). As explained by this CNN Money article this morning,
“As a rough guide, singles eligible for the credit might get between $10 to $15 per paycheck if paid weekly; for those married filing jointly, they’re likely to see an extra $15 to $20.”
And this:
“Lower-income workers may not make enough money to have taxes withheld once their exemptions are taken into account. So they won’t see any extra cash in their paychecks. But they may claim their full credit when they file their 2009 tax returns next year.”
Besides the fact that it’s a drop in the bucket when a waterfall is needed, it also seems to be yet another waste of taxpayer money. While most of us could always use that little bit extra, if we’re still fortunate enough to have a job, it’s not a necessary extra right now. It seems to me that the people who truly need the money are the ones who just lost their jobs and I’d just as soon forego the $15 to insure that someone who’s having trouble paying his mortgage on unemployment compensation or about to lose that benefit has the appropriate help from the government taxpayers instead.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
I’m all for a package that stimulates me, but this ain’t it.
Well Anne, there’s that little shop two blocks east off Main on the south end of town and if you give the guy a wink and say “Susan sent me,” I think he can accommodate you.