Cedar Rapids Weather
Obama's Vision for Economic Stimulus PlanTJ Winick, ABD News, Washington
WASHINGTON D.C. - The economy remains the number one issue for President-elect Barack Obama. On Thursday he outlined the economic stimulus plan he's proposing. Watch the full video or read the speech at left.
It is 12 days until he becomes president, but Barack Obama warned Americans there is no time to waste in turning around America's economy, mired in crippling recession. “I don't believe it's too late to change course, but it will be if we don't take dramatic action as soon as possible. If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years,” said Barack Obama, President-elect. Speaking to an audience that included many of the country's governors and mayors, the President-elect laid out his vision for a stimulus plan that could feature $775 billion over two years in tax cuts and spending. “It's a plan that represents not just new policy, but a whole new approach to meeting our most urgent challenges,” said Obama. While the speech might have been short on specifics, it could not have been more ambitious in its goals: doubling the production of alternative energy over three years, updating most federal buildings to improve energy efficiency, making medical records electronic, and updating schools and universities. “How much debt are we going to pile on future generations?” said Rep. John Boehner, (R) House Minority Leader. While republicans are skeptical of the price tag, mostly, they reacted favorably. “I'm pleased with what the new president's had to say so far. I don't have any complaints about the communication,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell, (R) Minority Leader. As for America's governors, many of whom are facing their own budget shortfall, the stimulus could not be more welcome. “Help is on the way and we haven't heard that from the federal government in 8 years,” said Gov. Jennifer Granholm, (D) Michigan. Backing up Obama's claims, unemployment figures due out tomorrow are expected to bring 2008's total job losses to 2.4 million, the highest since 1945. More Good Stuff |
YouNews™ Politics!Have video or pictures from the local or national political scene? How about comments and questions for your representitives? Share Them On YouNews!
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Do You Support Obama's Handling of the Bail Out? |
Conversation Guidelines
Be Kind
Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.
Share Knowledge
Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.
Stay focused
Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.
Report Trouble
Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.
read the full guidelines here »
Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.
Most Popular >>