Letizia Cinganotto

US economic US economic stimulus packagestimulus package

US economic US economic stimulus packagestimulus package

BBC BUSINESS ENGLISHBBC BUSINESS ENGLISHFebruary 08February 08

Letizia Cinganotto

Letizia Cinganotto

What is the stimulus package worth $150 bn

aimed at?

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helping ordinary Americans deal with the economic downturn.

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TRUE OR FALSE?

The Congress easily approved it.

F

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What does the plan include?

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• one-off rebates of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples plus $300 for each child.

• rebates for low income retirees and military veterans

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What’s the meaning of rebate?

• Money given back?• Prices reduced?• Discussion?

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Money given back

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Explain the expressions“low income retirees” and “military veterans”

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Did President Bush welcome the plan?

Why?

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Yes, because it would help stimulate consumer spending and accelerate needed business investment.

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Why are some politicians worried?

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about the damage the plan will do to government finances - potentially doubling last year's budget deficit