Hillary's Economic Stimulus Package

January 11th Hillary unveiled her aggressive $70 billion stimulus package which specifically sets out to help homeowners who have been hurt by the housing foreclosure crisis. The plan sets out to provide immediate relief to families who are facing through-the-roof energy bills, support's workers who have lost their jobs, and makes immediate investments in "green collar jobs" which will not only stimulate the economy, but improve the environment. Hillary, both in her current capacity as Senator, and as president, recognizes and takes seriously the issue of our current stagnant economy. She understands the importance of a strong middle class which is why her plan:

* Establishes a $30 Billion Emergency Housing Crisis Fund to assist states and cities mitigate the effects of mounting foreclosures

* Takes action to stem foreclosure, by establishing a 90-day moratorium on subprime foreclosures and an automatic rate freeze on subprime mortgages of at least five years

* Provides $25 billion in emergency energy assistance for families with high heating bills

* Accelerates $5 billion in energy efficiency and alternative energy investments

* Invests $10 billion in extending unemployment insurance

Many families have been forced out of their homes as mortgages rates go up, as they have in Detroit, Michigan where rates have risen 300% higher than that of those in higher income communities. With oil hitting $100 a barrel, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the economy lost jobs in the private sector for the first time in four years, many Americans need an opportunity to catch up. According to RealtyTrac, more than 201,000 foreclosure filings were reported in November alone, up 68 percent from the year before. Hillary has the only plan that addresses these harsh realities.

In addition to immediately adopting her 5-part plan, Senator Clinton called on Congress to be ready to provide an additional $40 billion in direct tax-rebates to working and middle class families if economic circumstances continue to worsen. This additional $40 billion in tax relief should be fast-acting; temporary to be fiscally responsible; and progressive so that it has a high bang-for-the-buck.

Hillary understands that in order to have a strong economy, you must have a strong middle-class. Tens of thousands of Americans bought homes 5 or so years ago that they could afford upon moving in, that fact changed when the economic factor changed. With the weight of the dollar dropping, high tax cuts only going to the richest 1/10 of 1%, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan breaking the Treasury and depleting much needed funds and resources, working families across the country need an opportunity to catch up. Hillary Clinton has proposed a responsible plan that can offset recession and strengthen the middle-class.