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08 Dec 2009 09:59

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World: Looking to fend off recession, Japan pushes their own stimulus

  • $81 billion to help keep their economy afloat source

08 Jun 2009 10:03

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Biz, U.S.: The big numbers of Obama’s bold new plan for jobs

  • 600,000 number of jobs he wants to create using the stimulus package
  • 100 number of days he plans to start pushing ten major projects source

13 May 2009 08:53

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U.S.: Now that the U.S. has their stimulus, they’re not in a rush to use it

  • $787 billion size of the stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by Obama
  • $45.6 billion or 6 percent, has been used so far, mostly for social programs source

02 Apr 2009 21:18

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Biz, World: Notable number #4: The agreed-upon G20 package

  • $1.1 trillion in loans will be put in place to help finance trade source

01 Mar 2009 11:18

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U.S.: COBRA insurance got more affordable, thanks to the stimulus

  • 65% of the cost will be covered by the government. If you get laid off between September 1, 2008 and December of this year, you’re eligible for a new program designed to make COBRA health insurance payments actually affordable. The program, designed to let people continue to have health insurance even while unemployed, has famously cost way too much. But for many with pre-existing conditions, it’s the only option. Big ups for the Obama administration. source

22 Feb 2009 10:58

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Biz, Tech: MS to laid-off employees: Whoops, we overpaid you!

You know that extra $20 on the severance package? Um, we need it back. source

22 Feb 2009 10:35

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U.S.: Two states, two approaches to the stimulus

  • Mississippi: Ehhhh … Governor Haley Barbour, a Republican, says he won’t take some of the allocated funds for his state if it means extra costs for Mississippi down the road. He specifically noted the unemployment tax, which might force the state to pick up the tab for increased benefits. “I mean, we want more jobs,” Barbour said. “You don’t get more jobs by putting an extra tax on creating jobs.”
  • Massachusetts: Bring it on! Democratic Governor Deval Patrick, on the other hand, has zero qualms with taking a ton of stimulus cash, if it means building up the state’s – and by extension, the country’s – infrastructure. He specifically mentioned roads. “Whether governors say they will or won’t take this or that as part of the stimulus bill, in some ways, is irrelevant,” Patrick said. “People want that help.” source
 

14 Feb 2009 09:31

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Biz, U.S.: Obama has his stimulus package – he just needs to sign it

  • I will sign this legislation into law shortly, and we’ll begin making the immediate investments necessary to put people back to work doing the work America needs done.
  • President Barack Obama • During his weekly radio address, on the passage of the $787 billion stimulus package he pushed through Congress. He hoped to get bipartisan support but it didn’t happen, with the bill passing along party lines. • source