Jake, that would not be useful for a stimulus plan (not during a credit crunch), and I would think that in that case the money could have been better used by the government, spending it on infrastructure projects in the USA.  In a way, this "stimulus plan" privatizes what otherwise would have been a government stimulus, which fits with the current ideas of consumption as patriotism and privatization as a panacea for [for what, really?].  It would work, of course, if the individual taxpayer were to buy muni-bonds newly issued to fund new infrastructure projects, but I don't see that happening either.

It could work if most of the money was kept in the loop, and kept in motion.  The sad thing is that most people who would spend it right away, would probably do so on stuff not made here in America.  It's hard to stimulate the economy, when the bulk of each dollar will be going to China. 

One could spend it on domestic beer, wine and locally grown and produced foodstuffs, along with services, though. 

As for me; I'm going to use it for bills............................then maybe buy some good ol' American beer or wine.

Charlie.

I agree on spending the stimulus on a stimulating product, American beer - microbrewery preferred: Think Globally, Drink Locally!