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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Democrats think it might be time for a second round of rebates to taxpayers, in order to help millions of Americans deal with rising energy prices and unemployment, declining home prices and tight credit.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says they'll be working on another stimulus package and hopes it will be a bipartisan effort again.
Democrats say such a package might be about more than just rebate checks, probably including more spending for roads and infrastructure, additional unemployment benefits, help for low-income families to heat their homes and aid for states struggling with deficits.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers calls our current economic situation "serious" and says the government is "in much more danger of responding inefficiently than in responding excessively."
But the Republicans are saying not so fast. President Bush says we should let the first stimulus package run its course. And Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke agrees. Republicans say the best way to boost the economy is to pass legislation to limit home foreclosures and increase production of domestic oil. They would likely push for more tax cuts for businesses if they agree to another stimulus package.
The initial $168 billion package included rebates sent to more than 100 million households, with checks of up to $600 dollars for individuals and $1,200 for couples.
Economists say some stores have seen more business as a result of those checks, but it hasn't meant more hiring by companies or more lending by banks. Some say the only way to solve the financial crisis is by injecting banks with a lot of money.
Here’s my question to you: Is another economic stimulus package the answer to our shaky economy?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
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