Is stimulus helping you?

Scott Gasser couldn't wait to receive his Making Work Pay tax cut under the Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus program. Hoping to get an additional $50 a week, he figured he could rebuild his bank account after an expensive divorce.

It didn't quite work out that way. The maintenance worker at an auto parts maker, who was overly optimistic in his estimates, is only seeing an additional $7.50 a week.

"I don't mean to be ungrateful, but I don't even notice that," said Gasser, 38, who will have to reluctantly part with his Suzuki motorcycle so he can meet his bills.

Gasser, however, may end up benefiting from another part of the stimulus package. His plant is scheduled to close at the end of October, just when his first child is due. If he ends up on unemployment, he'll see a $25 boost in his weekly check, thanks to the stimulus package. Several of his friends have told him that the extra bucks have an impact.

"They noticed the difference," he said.

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