Thursday, February 05, 2009

Senate Votes to Boost Aid for Homebuyers

By DAVID ESPO
AP

WASHINGTON (Feb. 4) - The Senate voted Wednesday night to give a tax
break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers in hopes of revitalizing the
housing industry, a victory for Republicans eager to leave their mark
on a mammoth economic stimulus bill at the heart of President Barack
Obama's recovery plan.

The proposal would allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of
new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law
provides for a $7,500 tax break but only for first-time homebuyers.
Isakson's office said the proposal would cost the government an
estimated $19 billion.
Democrats readily agreed to the proposal, although it may be changed
or even deleted as the stimulus measure makes its way through Congress
over the next 10 days or so.

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