Companies hire when they need work done and they only need work done if they have enough paying customers. Tax cuts/credits, especially temporary ones, generally do little to propel hiring decisions. Incidentally, wasn't that the Democrats' argument that tax cuts don't lead to job creation during the debate to let the Bush tax cuts on the wealthy expire? And now they think their tax cuts/credits will do exactly that?
Overall, I see this more as the start of a discussion than a real useful plan.

Bright Blessings,
Sequoia Mist

I think the best way for any change on taxes to help the economy is to simplify the tax code, standardize the approach among all the states as much as possible and stabilize the rates for the long-term instead of this temporary piecemeal approach.
Bright Blessings,
Sequoia Mist

There have been a lot of good points made on this thread. Just wanted to put in my two cents also.
1. supply and demand do play a huge part in the economy. But if the people don't have money to spend the demand won't be there.
Definitely need money to spend money.

2. Before Obama got elected and went into office, we were heading for the downfall. But we also have to remember that just months after Bush got elected we had the most horrifying event take place, 9/11. And when he came into office, Clinton had already started us on the downside.
In reality laws enacted during a presidency does not always take effect during their term and actually results of implementation reflect on the current administrations to a degree. Case in point would be that the healthcare law enacted will not become totally effective until 2014 and if Obama is not the president then who will the people blame ~ Obama or the residing president?

3. Taxes, medicare, medicaid, social security - all need to be fixed and realigned.
100% agreement there but all I can see are two spoiled children (our two party system) that will argue and never compromise without hurting the poor the most.

4. Until we, the people, start taking the time to thoroughly research and know who we are putting into these positions of power, things will never be right. We have to remember that we put them there and WE CAN TAKE THEM OUT! We are the ones who pay for them to be up there doing what they are doing. We can put a stop to it. But until we gather as one united front and let them know that enough is enough, they'll keep on and on.
If you don't vote, don't complain ~ plain & simple.

5. Why are we the ones continually taking pay cuts and being laid off, paying high taxes, going without? Why doesn't Congress sit and look at what they are being paid for what they do. I mean come on give me a break.
Proposed 2012 COLA for SSA benefits 1.5%, current Medicare Part B increase 3% = 1.5% LOSS on current payments,,,,hubby got a 5% pay increase and our medical premiums went up 8-3/4% = 3-3/4% LOSS in current pay. Have you checked out ALL the program cuts by both federal & state levels? The ones taking the hardest hits are the "lower middle class" and the poor. Did you know Warren Buffet, the richest man in the world paid 17% as his 2010 tax rate and his secretary who makes $60,000/yr paid in 30% ~ Tell me how messed up that is? And as Diana lynn says, who in Congress is going without a paycheck and has everyone in the country really taken a look at their pay scales/benefit packages?

6. I know that in North Carolina, where I live, anyone elected to the House of Representatives or Senate, is automatically paid retirement after they leave office. Even if they only serve 2 or 4 years. Why can't I be paid retirement like that. Heck, I've been busting my hind end for 28 years now and I don't believe I'll ever get to retire with the way things are going.
I also do not know if that applies only to NC or SD or if it applies in all states ~ I can tell you that on a federal level it does. We the people pay our representatives in Congress and their families medical benefits for the balance of their lives after they have left office but I'm not sure what's applied to medical & what's applied to retirement ~ that WE pay FOR THEM. Makes one wonder about Ron Paul's rant that we the people need to "take responsibility for ourselves" so I guess that includes taking care of them too?

Just a few notes from me. Can't wait to see the responses. lol!
I just thought it was easier to respond this way ~LOL~