I was very disappointed today to read in my local paper that Bush's planned tax break is only to benefit those making $40k or over.  Anyone making less than $24k may get a smaller amount than $800 each person.  I make $14k a year and it's all untaxed (disability).  I have been a tax paying citizen of this country until recently and feel I am being descriminated against.  The people who need this tax break the most will see nothing.   

This article from The New York Times suggests the rebate is being aimed at those who have paid in taxes.  Do you think a large number of people who made $24,000 or less had tax liability?

Lawmakers want to get  money out to those who will spend it and jump start the economy, but they aren't in agreement that those who are most likely to spend it quickly should be the ones to get it. Reading informal polls, many struggling families say they would use any  monies received to pay down debt. Not the same kind of jump start as someone who might  buy something. The well to do are more likley to bank the money. Is an interesting story to follow. The article about this subject in our local paper closes with Charles Rangels' (chairman of House Ways and Means) optimistic assertion that there will be concessions from both parties , and that the American people will be pleased with the results of a bipartisan package. Sure hope he's right!

The "advance" is what I understood it to be also.  Of course, Congress hasn't done anything yet so I'm not gonna count my chickens before they hatch!

I think the plan is to give back a portion of the money people paid in taxes back to them to help the economy. If you paid no taxes last year, should you really get money given back to you?  I also heard they are doing other things other than just tax rebates like extending unemployment benifits for the unemployed, I think that is wonderful idea because it will be much harder for those people to find employment since the jobless rate has increased. As far as spending the money, I hope those people don't spend it on "made in China" items and rather " made in the USA" items. That would seriously help the economy and the people that are looking for employment.

It does seem a bit non sensical on the surface, doesn't it, to borrow from one's future refund? There was a good article in yesterdays' paper about the cyclical nature of expansion/reccession of the economy. Apparently, these rebates have been effective in the past.

Miserly:

I hope those people don't spend it on "made in China" items and rather " made in the USA" items. That would seriously help the economy

Hubby and I had to buy a new dehumidifier over the weekend. He wanted to look at W/M, but I said, "NO". I told him I didn't want to buy anything that wasn't made in the USA this time.

I am one of those people that if I got the rebate I would bank it or pay down debt. Probably the later of the two.

I heard the same thing. We have a low tax liability after all credits and deductions so I guess I won't get too excited about anything yet. I also heard that the democrats want to see unemployment extentions and greater food stamp allowances. Great! Just when we get OFF of unemployment and food stamps!

I'll just be happy if I get my tax refund in a timely manner.