Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Obama lays more stimulus plans


Is the economy moving in the right direction, and if so, does it need more government help to keep it going that way?

President Obama said this morning that the economy swung further from recession toward growth than at any time in the past three decades, but that a recovery is still so feeble that more stimulus help was needed. His plan includes:
  • eliminating the capital gains tax on and giving other tax breaks to small businesses;
  • more spending to upgrade transportation and communication infrastructure;
  • incentives for individuals to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient.
In this or any other recession, I've long said that there can be no recovery without jobs, so I'm a fan of the small business tax breaks and the infrastructure plans if they boost hiring. It'd be a failure if businesses take the tax breaks and run without hiring anyone, so hopefully there will be some safeguards in place.

I also like the infrastructure spending, but I desperately hope that includes significant funding for high-speed rail and other projects that move our transportation grid into the 21st century and away from fossil fuel dependence.

Your thoughts on the plan?

1 comment:

Ms Sula said...

Hello! First time here by way of Sista Toldja.

I like the brief and concise analysis.

I am also all for this

also like the infrastructure spending, but I desperately hope that includes significant funding for high-speed rail and other projects that move our transportation grid into the 21st century and away from fossil fuel dependence.


I truly believe that the weakened lobbying power of Detroit is a great opportunity for rail/light rail to make a comeback! I mean I live in Houston, and it would have been the perfect city if public transportation (ok and the weather) was more accessible!

All in all, great analysis.