Montana Reacts to the New Stimulus Package - State to Receive $625 Million

Of the $787 billion dollars that will be spend, Montana will get about $625 million from the stimulus package. Senator Jon Tester was quoted as saying that 11,000 good-paying jobs will be created or retained.

According to MSNBC: "About a third of the state's share is for highway funding to repair and build new roads. More than $121-million goes to counties for education, public safety and other needs. Nearly $85-million goes to public education and universities.

Fifty-one million dollars go to food and shelter assistance, things such as food stamps and other programs to help the needy. As for taxpayers, 95% of all Americans will receive a tax cut in the form of the "Making Work Pay" credit, amounting to $400 dollars for individuals or $800 dollars per couple.

A one-time payment of $250 for retired and disabled Montanans on Social Security, railroad retirement and Veterans' disability. Also included are; a temporary tax hold on some unemployment benefits and a new tax credit up to $2,500 to help families pay for college."

Montana's democratic leaders - Max Baucus and Jon Tester agreed that something needed to happen quickly but Republican Denny Rehberg came out saying that congress moved too quickly and that the approved plan is too expensive.