Virginians Feeling Stimulated by Federal Funds

$3 billion already received

If you live in Virginia, there’s a good chance you’ve already felt the direct result of President Barack Obama’s federal stimulus plan.

A progressive Richmond think tank says Virginians have received about $3 billion from the stimulus package.

In a report presented Wednesday morning, the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis said aid from Obama's program got to those most in need relatively fast.

Nearly two-thirds, $1.9 billion, came through the Make Work Pay program, a tax credit for people earning wages.  Nearly $600 million came from increased benefits and decreased eligibility for unemployment insurance.

There was also an increase of more than $200 million in Virginia in food stamp benefits.

The progressive advocacy group for low-income families says its study shows areas of high unemployment in Virginia benefited the most.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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