Inouye says second stimulus package could be necessary (already calling today's Stimulus #1) [View All]

[dkf]

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye said this afternoon that another federal stimulus package may be necessary if the nation's economy does not improve.

Inouye, D-Hawaii, privately briefed state House lawmakers on the stimulus package and plans to talk with the state Senate tomorrow.

The stimulus package, signed into law this morning by President Obama, will bring Hawaii $678 million in formula-based spending and upwards of $2 billion when tax credits, Medicaid reimbursements and extended unemployment benefits are counted.

Inouye, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said another stimulus package may be needed.

"That's discussion item No. 1 now in Washington," the senator told reporters at the state Capitol. "Some people are calling this bill the stimulus No. 1.

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