A New Economic Plan

The following is my attempt at a class assignment to rewrite a print story for broadcast.

Stimulus Package
10/20

(Shot of White House) Reporter VO:
President Bush and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke both announced that they would now be in favor of a new economic stimulus package, an idea they both previously opposed. In a prepared statement before the house budget committee Bernanke expressed his new perspective.

Video of Bernanke Quote:
“With the economy likely to be weak for several quarters, and with some risk of a protracted slowdown, consideration of a fiscal package by the Congress at this juncture seems appropriate.”

(Shot of bank or consumer spending) Reporter VO:
Bernanke also suggested that there might be another cut of the prime interest rate, which is currently at 1.5-percent. The hope is this will help loosen up the credit market, allowing an increase in business and consumer spending.

(Transition to Shot of U.S. Capitol Building) Reporter VO:
House speaker Nancy Pelosi also spoke in favor of an economic plan that she says could be as large as 150-billion dollars.

Video of Pelosi Quote:
“I call upon President Bush and Congressional Republicans to once again heed Chairman Bernanke’s advice and as they did in January, work with the Democrats in congress to enact a targeted, timely and fiscally responsible economic recovery and job creation package.”

(Shot of homes for sale/repossessions) Reporter:
All of the action of policy makers in Washington does not seem to be easing the concerns of most Americans. According to an Associated Press Yahoo News poll of likely voters one-third of Americans are concerned about loosing their jobs. Half of those polled are afraid they won’t be able to continue paying their credit cards and mortgages. And with unemployment rates predicted to reach seven-point-five-percent or higher next year, relief can’t come soon enough for many Americans.
End