How Stimulus Affects You

Where the $825 billion will -- and won't -- show up in your life.

With our first glimpse into how the government wants to use $825 billion to juice the economy, it's clear that some of the money will quickly and directly affect most Americans lives, while other spending is intended to produce either longer-term, less tangible benefits or is targeted at narrow segments of the population -- like the unemployed.

Although the sum is huge, the money isn't intended to turn the economy around, but to keep it from falling even further into decay.

Detractors say spending on stimulus will do little more than drive the country deeper into debt. Many Republicans are arguing for a plan heavier on tax cuts and lighter on government spending.

But supporters -- including most Democrats and the president -- say it would ultimately cost the U.S. more -- in the form of lost jobs, economic output, and lost tax revenues - to drag our feet. They want the plan enacted quickly.

Here's how some of the billions in the House stimulus bill could change your life.

This is not a complete list of the spending, and the numbers are approximate and will likely change before any bill is enacted.

Your Paycheck

What You'll See:

$145 billion in tax cuts for working individuals.

The tax cut would be $500 per person ($1,000 for a couple) and would phase out for people making over $75,000 a year ($150,000 for couples). You can get the money either by claiming it on your tax return, or through a reduction in the taxes that are taken out of your weekly paycheck.

This is the largest single measure in a tax package that includes additional cuts for businesses large and small, as well as expanded credits for low income individuals.

For the Unemployed:

$43 billion for increased unemployment benefits.

$39 billion for expanded healthcare benefits for the unemployed.

$20 billion to increase food stamp benefits.

Education

What You'll See:

$41 billion for school improvements, including better buildings, computer upgrades and teacher training.

$15 billion to increase the maximum Pell grant by $500 in 2009-10; plus, increases to the annual unsubsidized Stafford Loan limits.

$14 billion in tax credits of up to $2,500 a year for college students with an annual income below $80,000.

$6 billion for college building improvements.

Behind the Scenes:

$79 billion to help states offset education costs. While people won't see this directly, it will likely mean that services won't have to be cut or taxes won't have to be raised.

Health Care

What You'll See:

$4 billion for more preventative care programs.

$1.5 billion for improvements at community health centers.

Behind the Scenes:

$20 billion to computerize health care records. This is intended primarily for doctors, although there's some debate as to whether patients will have access to this database as well. Ultimately, it's supposed to make the healthcare system more efficient and cheaper for everyone.

$87 billion for states to help pay Medicaid costs. Again, while not directly visible to most people, state taxes would likely rise, or services cut, absent this measure.

Housing

What You'll See:

$6 billion to weatherize moderate income homes, making them more energy efficient.

$4 billion for homeowners to take up to 30% of the cost of conservation measures as a tax credit, up to $1,500 per person.

$300 million for consumers to replace old appliances.

$500 million to help rural families secure mortgages.

For Those Living in Public Housing:

$16 billion in energy retrofits and improvements.

Transportation

What You'll See:

$30 billion for highway and bridge construction projects.

$10 billion for mass transit, including new lines, buses, trains and stations.

$3 billion to expand congested airports.

$1.15 billion for better land and sea ports.

$4 billion for more police officers and equipment - best watch the speeding!

$500 million for better airport screening detectors.

Other Infrastructure Improvements

What You'll See:

$31 billion to modernize public buildings, making them more energy efficient.

$3.1 billion for improvements on public lands, including new roads, trails and facilities at national parks.

$6 billion for broadband Internet access in rural areas.

$400 million for flood control efforts, which include buying and preserving open land around the country.

$6 billion for communities to replace aging sewer lines.

$4.2 billion for towns to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant homes.

$32 billion for a "smart" utility grid and renewable energy production, although in the long run this could change the way you use appliances at home and clean the air.

$10 billion for science research facilities.