Residents Look For Stimulus Answers At Round Table

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The stimulus bill is now a reality and with $787 billion to spend, the federal government hopes to shift the country’s economic tides. But how and how fast?

Speaking at the Community Roundtable Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy spelled out some of the direct effects the stimulus plan could have on your life.

Those in attendance expressed a mixture of hope and doubt that they would see the benefits firsthand, NBC 4‘s Patrick Preston reported.

“Our families need jobs,“ said Michelle Mills, an area resident.

“We need jobs for people who need jobs,“ said James Hollingsworth, Director of Central Ohio Operations of the Call & Post.

But will there be a difference between what Central Ohioans say they need from the stimulus package and what they actually get?

Kilroy said residents can expect to see 15,000 jobs added to the local economy, thanks to the stimulus package, as well as funding for worker training in growing fields such as health care.

“You’ll start seeing the construction projects that have been delayed start moving forward,“ Kilroy said.

Other benefits that may touch your life include a 2009 payroll tax credit of $800 for couples and $400 for individuals. By the time the tax credit takes effect in June, Kilroy said the savings will average $52 a month.

If you’ve lost your job, federal unemployment compensation will be extended through the end of the year.

If you qualify for food stamps, you will receive an extra $25 a month in food stamps.

“This money is going to be spent very quickly. Not immediately, but definitely most of it is going to be spent over the spring and summer,“ said Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

At the roundtable, residents elected leaders to ensure the economic growth reaches into local neighborhoods.

“After-school programs are absolutely critical and that’s year-round,“ Mills said.

“We need engagement and access for small disadvantaged businesses who otherwise would not survive or would struggle greatly,“ Hollingsworth said.

Many spending decisions remain to be made as grants are distributed and monies doled out. While the stimulus may not be enough to right the economy, Kilroy said it’s more than a good start.

“That decline has been going on for a long time, so it’s going to take a little bit to lift it up to get it going again. But this will help get jobs going again,“ Kilroy said.

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video