Bush launches plan to jump-start the economy

PRESIDENT George W Bush put forward a “growth and jobs” economic stimulus plan yesterday to provide tax relief to almost 92 million Americans.

The administration estimated its latest economic stimulus package would carry a 10-year price tag of €647 billion, more than double what the president had been considering only a week ago.

Leaving the White House for a Chicago speech where he will begin selling the plan, Bush strode toward his helicopter with his new chief economic adviser, Steve Friedman, alongside, and a clutch of other top aides following behind.