More than 5,000 highway projects - including $980 million in the Tampa Bay area that help comprise the $7 billion dollars' worth in Florida - are ready to go, state transportation officials say, if Congress will only pony up $64.3 billion as part of an economic aid plan. ...more

December 15, 2008

The House on Friday passed a plan by Democrats to pump $61 billion in government spending into the economy through public works projects, help for the jobless and money for states struggling with their Medicaid bills. ...more

September 27, 2008

The largest drop in wholesale prices in nearly two years in August failed to spur consumers to spend more at shopping malls, raising new worries about a possible recession as the temporary boost from tax rebate checks becomes a distant memory. ...more

September 13, 2008

Some - In Second Quarter WASHINGTON (AP) - The prospects for a quick economic recovery dimmed Thursday, with new data showing the economy grew at a slower-than-expected rate this spring despite some oomph from tax rebate checks - and actually shrank late last year. ...more

August 3, 2008

The prospects for a quick economic recovery dimmed Thursday, with new data showing the economy grew at a slower-than-expected rate this spring despite some oomph from tax rebate checks - and actually shrank late last year. ...more

August 1, 2008

The country slogged through slower economic growth and rising prices during the summer, packing a double whammy to people and businesses alike. ...more

July 24, 2008

WASHINGTON - IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, in a statement prepared for a House hearing Thursday, said one of the agency's tasks this summer will be tracking down some 5 million Social Security recipients and veterans who qualify for tax rebate checks but have not filed to receive them. ...more

June 20, 2008

President Bush is considering new measures to help stimulate the battered economy, the White House said Friday as unemployment and oil prices soared and Wall Street sank. ...more

June 7, 2008

Tax rebate checks gave consumers a little extra money in their pockets during May, but most were still spending conservatively, buying necessities such as food and gas and shying away from splurging on clothing or furniture. The result was some better-than-expected sales for the nation's retailers, with lower-priced merchants such as discounters and wholesale clubs showing the strongest gains. ...more

June 6, 2008

While the federal government has been sending income tax rebate checks to stimulate the economy, another proposal in the works would offer a $750 tax credit to entice people to buy houses. ...more

June 5, 2008