Democrats in Congress are talking about a second economic stimulus package. The measure could focus on tax incentives, or it could create a New Deal-type federal jobs program, or maybe both. Carol Stambaugh with the National Association of Social Workers says putting people to work, even temporarily, has symbolic value beyond a paycheck. She says the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is credited with creating and/or saving almost 11-thousand jobs in Iowa. Some economists contend New Deal jobs did little to shorten the Great Depression, and they are equally critical of jobs created through the first economic rescue package in light of the nation’s slow recovery.

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