Rebate checks soon to be a reality

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Federal government tax rebates

Congressman Joe Donnelly came to Karl King Riverbend Tower in South Bend on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 to announce that low-income seniors have been included to receive tax rebates this spring. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 11, 2008 at 4:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 16, 2008 at 11:35 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — The federal government will be sending you a check by mid-May. Congress approved the $170 billion economic stimulus plan last week. It's designed to boost the economy.

One-time rebates will be sent to more than 100 million low- and middle-income families.

Congressman Joe Donnelly says one group of people in particular is likely to really help put the economy back on track.

At 76 years old, Mary Ann Turner loves showing off her grandkids, entertaining guests, and just plain being retired.

“I do not have to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning like I did for 13 years,” she said.

But living on a fixed income as the cost of groceries, gas, and everything else continues to climb, can be a challenge.

“I have to budget my money which — I'm a spender!” she said.

So lawmakers are banking on retirees like Mary Ann to help boost the economy and keep the country out of a recession.

Monday, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced low-income seniors have been included to receive tax rebates this spring. Now, Social Security recipients will get at least $300.

And Donnelly says it's this group of people that could help most.

“It's been shown that well over 70 percent of the funds that go out in the stimulus package come back in the form of economic activity,” he explained. “At the senior level, over 90 percent of the funds go back into the economy. So probably more than any other group, they would be a target group of an economic stimulus package.”

Here's a look at how much taxpayers will get:

  • Single filers who earn less than $75,000 a year will get rebates up to $600.
  • Couples earning less than $150,000 will get a rebate of up to $1,200.
  • Parents will get $300 per child.

    The checks should be in the mail by mid-May.

    For more information on the rebate checks, click on the link in the Related Content box.

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