McCain's Economic Plan

Presidential Republican contender John McCain has recently mentioned that he would like to see a moratorium on all gasoline taxes from Memorial day through Labor day. He states that Americans need a break and that it would stimulate the economy by encouraging people to go on summer vacations as they normally would. Estimates put the cost of revenue that would be withheld at about 10 billion dollars. Consider these questions as you reflect on whether this would be an effective way to stimulate the economy or not.

• If you no longer have 10 billion dollars going into the federal coffers, what would you cut to replace those funds?
• Is his economic plan typical for a Republican as far as being fiscally conservative?
• What are the good points about putting a hold on these taxes and what would be the negative impacts?

Pennsylvania Primary

With the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary approaching, have you decided for whom you will vote and why? What issues or factors will most influence your decision? Has the media helped you decide which candidate to choose or do they just confuse the situation more? Do not forget that March 24 is the final day to register to vote in the primary election.

Economic Growth is when a country's economy expands or grows (the exportation of goods) leading to the creation of more jobs and more wealth which is then re-invested back into the economy to start the cycle over again.

Our Congress and President Bush feel our economy is in a downturn (lower growth, fewer jobs, less exportation). To get things moving in the right direction, they want to pass an economic stimulus package that would give tax-payers a rebate of $600 per adult and $300 for each of their dependent children. Think critically about these issues regarding this stimulus package and comment about your thoughts and ideas on the success of this bill.

• Where does the money for this come from?
• How do you think people will spend it?(rich, poor, middle class)
• Will it create jobs through the spending of these rebates?
• What does your critical thinking tell you about this economic stimulus package?
• Any other areas this bill might impact?