By Colin McEwen and Mike Sever
Record-Courier staff writers
What are you going to do with your economic stimulus rebate?
That's what the federal government is calling the rebate checks being sent out by the Internal Revenue Service -- sent to more than 100 million Americans. And it's the question many people are pondering.
The IRS has started sending out tax rebates, which will arrive by mail or be directly deposited into bank accounts, depending on how you filed your taxes. Checks started going out in late April and are expected to continue through mid-summer.
The rebates, which range from $300 to $1,200 per household, are part of President Bush's plan to put more money into people's hands in hopes they'll spend it and get the economy back on the rise.
"It's already spent," said Krystine Poots, a clerk with the Portage County Board of Commissioners. Poots said she has been saving up for a four-wheeler and the rebate will help her reach that goal.
Carol Kurtz, an auditor for the county commission, is taking a systematic approach.
"One-third to the foodbank, a third for going out to dinner, and a third for the future," Kurtz said.
"The food pantries are empty and people of all kinds are showing up" and need help, she said.
Tracie Kellison, the manager at Cheap Tobacco in Ravenna, said she will use the rebate to pay her rent.
"Rent comes first," she said. "Most everyone I've talked to is using it to pay their bills."
Bryan Beetler of Brimfield said he was looking forward to enjoying the money.
"I'm going to take my daughter and girlfriend on a trip," he said. "I'd like to do something nice for my little girl"
Beetler, a construction worker and part-time college student, said a vacation may be just what he needs to escape from his busy schedule.
Scott Hutchinson, general manager at Guido's Pizza & Catering Service, said he plans to finish some much-needed home improvements, laying mulch and installing new doors.
"It just so happens to be a good time (for the refund check)," he said, adding if any money is left over he would invest in hobbies.
Rick Coe, president of Portage Community Bank, said he had not considered what he will do with the rebate, but thinks he may take a relaxing trip.
"I'll probably do something I usually wouldn't do," he said. "Maybe I'll take a long weekend, or golf somewhere different."
He said his personal choice differs from what he would suggest to most Americans struggling to pay the bills.
"There's no doubt people are struggling," he said. "People will be using the money to pay bills rather than play. I'd like to think there will be more than a few people who will pay their debt."