WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Alabamians react to Stimulus Plan

Alabamians react to Stimulus Plan

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive stimulus bill the $819 billion dollar bill passed on a vote of 244 to 188. Representative James Clyburn from South Carolina said, "It is the right mix of spending and tax breaks to get America working again."

Representative Jerry Lewis of California said, "Majority cares less about creating jobs and stimulating economy and more about wasting Americans' money"

Tax cuts would total $350 billion. To create or save four million jobs, the plan would spend 500 billion dollars. According to the National Conference of Legislatures, Alabama's would get about $2.9 billion - $388 million going to medicaid, $559 million to highways, and nearly $700 million for education. 

Only one Alabama congressman, Artur Davis, voted for the plan. Robert Aderholt, Spencer Bachus, Jo Bonner, Bobby Bright, Parker Griffith, and Mike Rogers all voted against it. Back here at home Alabamians had mixed reaction. "I think we have to spend money to turn the economy around," said Gordon Trawick.

Tracy Coon said, "I don't think putting money in is the right thing to do. I almost think we need to let some things fail before it gets better."

The centerpiece tax cut calls for a $500 break for single workers and $1,000 for couples, including those who don't earn enough to owe federal income taxes. The Senate will likely take up the bill Monday. Democratic leaders say they hope to have a bill on the president's desk by the middle of February.