WASHINGTON — The House, seizing a rare moment of bipartisanship to respond to the economy’s slump, overwhelmingly passed a $146 billion aid package Tuesday that would speed rebates of $600 to $1,200 to most taxpayers.
The plan, approved 385-35 after little debate, would send at least some rebate to anyone with at least $3,000 in income, with more going to families with children and less going to wealthier taxpayers.
It faced a murky future in the Senate, though, where Democrats and some Republicans backed a larger package that adds billions of dollars for senior citizens and the unemployed, and shrinks the rebate to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples.
That plan, written by Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus, would deliver checks even to the richest taxpayers, who are disqualified under the House-passed measure.
Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado, who sits on the Finance Committee, supports the changes that Baucus wants to make, which also include doubling the depreciation allowances businesses can take for the purchase of equipment in 2008.
“We believe that will generate job creation,” Salazar said.
Salazar also will endorse the addition of language extending tax credits for investment in solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.
Denver Post staff writer Anne C. Mulkern contributed to this report.
