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Obama unveils economic package

Senator's plan would cost up to $120 billion, give money to workers and seniors quickly, cover budget shortfalls.

By Ryan Nakashima

Associated Press

Monday, January 14, 2008

Democrat Barack Obama on Sunday unveiled an economic stimulus package costing up to $120 billion that his campaign said would put money in the hands of workers and seniors, stem the foreclosure crisis and cover state budget shortfalls.

"Obama believes we cannot wait until he becomes president to give workers the tax relief they need," according to a policy paper.

Extras

Obama, a senator from Illinois, called on the government to make available a $250 tax credit to 150 million workers to offset the payroll tax paid on the first $8,100 of earnings. He urged a further $250 tax credit per worker if employment declines three months in a row.

He also would give a one-time, $250 payment to Social Security recipients who would not benefit from the tax credit, followed by another $250 payment if employment declines three months straight.

The immediate relief would cost $45 billion, plus another $45 billion if the economy weakened.

Obama also pledged $10 billion to increase preforeclosure counseling and help "responsible homeowners" refinance their mortgages or sell their homes.

The plan also calls for $10 billion to help states and local governments facing budget problems as a result of the housing crisis, caused by falling property values and sales tax revenue.

Obama also wants $10 billion to extend unemployment insurance while loosening the eligibility criteria to include many part-time and nontraditional workers.

The plan would have to be approved by Congress and President Bush to go forward, which is not likely. But Obama's campaign said it represented the kind of relief he would pursue if he were president now.

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