"The dollar is low compared to the euro, so it'll come in handy," said Addo, 41, a vice president at Union Bank of California.
Calling the economic stimulus plan "a nice gesture," Addo said he might treat himself to some new shirts and shoes in the spirit of helping out the country. But he has an American Express balance to pay off, two children to support and other expenses, though he doesn't have much debt, unlike some of his friends. He doesn't figure they'll be shopping with their rebate money.
"Most people could use extra padding, but I don't think they'll use it the way it's intended," he said. "The economy's doing badly, with foreclosures left and right, and we need more action on the big-ticket items."
The rebate program will pass Jason Lee by, not because he earns too much but because his income is too low. The 26-year-old from Valencia, who manages stuffed animal shop Lenovia Plush in downtown Los Angeles, said he was dismayed when he learned he didn't qualify.
"The stimulus plan should focus on people who are lower income who don't make that much," he said. "I should be the one getting that money. It doesn't make sense."
For J.B. Becker, who works with Pearson as a groundskeeper, the economic hard times made it easy for him to decide what to do when his $600 arrives: Half will go to a children's foundation and half to a senior citizens' organization.
"I'm OK financially. The amount's not enough to really help me, but it'll help them," said Becker, a 49-year-old from Simi Valley. "With costs rising, they'll need whatever they can get."
--
tiffany.hsu@latimes.com
