Obama announces $50-billion stimulus plan

[EmilyKent]

President Barack Obama is asking Congress to approve at least $50-billion in long-term spending in the nation's roads, railways and runways in a pre-election effort to show he's trying to stimulate the sputtering economy.

The infrastructure spending is part of a package of targeted proposals the White House announced on Monday. With November's elections for control of Congress approaching, Mr. Obama planned to discuss the proposal later Monday at a Labor Day event in Milwaukee.

The proposals would require congressional approval, which is highly uncertain with many legislators and voters worried about adding to federal deficits that are already sky-high. With Republicans saying spending is out of control and polls showing many people want to end Democrats' control of Congress, even many Democratic lawmakers are reluctant to approve new spending so close to Election Day.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/obama-announces-50-billion-stimulus-plan/article1697268/

[TomCADem]

1. Republicans Are Rich - Deficit Does Not Matter For Taxcuts To The Rich...

...but when it comes to spending that helps most Americans, the deficit should be pared back immediately.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Good! We needed that fifteen years ago. Our infrastructure is not as good as it should be.

[wiggs]

3. Good. A little late but good. On the other hand, my elevated cynicism

asks what political good will come of being on the correct side of any issue (and dems have literally all the issues IMO) when the other party is willing to piss on any good news, pollute political discourse, distort facts, create propaganda, and deceive voters.

It has worked for years and it's working again. Fear and hate will beat rationality...so all they have to do is control the message and the battle is won.

[CurtEastPoint]

4. I am for it but really...doesn't $50B sound miniscule compared to war costs, etc?

Can't they come up with a trillion for USEFUL things. They sure as hell can for the war machine!

[gulliver]

5. Cool. "The die has been cast."

This should be a good fight.

[phantom power]

6. This is exactly the right idea.

Should have been a year ago, and at least 10x larger, but it's a good start.

:thumbsup:

[EmilyKent]

7. Is it likely to get through?

Sounds to me like something people would want.

[regnaD kciN]

8. I hope they've made sure in advance that every single Dem will support it...

...so that the Repugs will have to filibuster. Make no mistake -- this package has no hope of passing; its sole purpose at this time is to make clear that Democrats are trying to turn the economy (and, in particular, the employment situation) around, and that Republicans are the ones blocking it, keeping people out of work in order to play politics.