Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/06/28/stimulus_checks_lift_spending/

You can see the word "stimulus check" in the website above, and would you explain simply what the word means?

Do all Americans get this "stimulus check" regardless of age, sex, race, experience, or income?

Thank you in advance.

[Lorikeet]

The stimulus check was a one-time effort to increase the amount of money people spend and help the economy. That was the idea behind the checks. They are sort of like a refund on your taxes. Not everyone got them, but most people did. People who were taken as deductions on someone else's income tax didn't get any, (like kids) and I think the amount went down if people were wealthier, but I am not really sure. It was based on how many dependents (spouse and/or children etc.) you had on your income tax return. People who didn't have to file income tax were told to file anyway, to get the stimulus check, if they had social security or veteran's benefits.

We shall see if it turns out to be a good method. As for me, I think it was dumb.

[lotus]

I'm with you. The money you would get back just pays for higher gas prices which Bush puts back in his pocket. Whose economy would you be stimulating?


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[learner12]

Dear Lorikeet&lotus:

Thank you for your quick replies and great explanations.

Hmm, I learned a lot from both of you.

Well, take care and have a great day!!

[Bob S.]

[CP]