Stimulating Bits and Bites

Read a rumor that Microsoft will announce layoffs soon.
Google is handing out G1 phones to most of its employees in lieu of cash, as an end of the year gift.
More firms are eliminating the 401-k matching contribution, including FedEx and Motorola.

More and more industries and their associations want a piece of the "trillion dollar"stimulus plan....After the banks and the autos, commercial real estate lenders want to be "rescued." State governments want to be rescued. Now, according to the WSJ, retailers want Obama to declare "tax-free" shopping days to stimulate consumer spending.

"The National Retail Federation called for three periods of sales tax-free shopping that would last 10 days each in March, July and October 2009. The trade group estimates that it would save consumers about $20 billion, or $175 per family.

Under the industry group's proposal, which would exclude alcohol and tobacco sales, the federal government would reimburse states for the lost tax revenue. State sales tax rates range from 2.9% to 7.25%, the group said. The five states without a sales tax -- Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon -- would also receive monies." (WSJ).

Looks like everyone except the taxpaying citizen wants to be bailed out...