Many States Happy With First Draft of Stimulus Package

"House Democrats Jan. 15 released details of their version of a plan containing $550 billion in spending and $275 billion in tax cuts that they say will help pull the country out of a financial freefall compared by some experts to the Great Depression."

"Crucial to states, the two-year package includes $87 billion to help pay for Medicaid, the joint federal-state program that costs $330 billion annually and serves 59 million needy Americans, and at least $100 billion for infrastructure spending — two top priorities of many governors and state legislators."

"Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the House proposal important to states:

* $43 billion for increased unemployment benefits
* $20 billion to increase the food stamp benefit
* $30 billion for highway construction
* $19 billion for clean water, flood control and environmental cleanup programs
* $4 billion for state and local anti-crime initiatives, including $3 billion for the Byrne Justice Assistance, which pays for programs to battle drug trafficking"