Bush: Rebates on the Way

President Bush said Friday that the U.S. economy is in a "slowdown" and he encouraged taxpayers to take all necessary steps to receive rebate checks through the federal economic-stimulus plan that he signed into law earlier this year.

The first direct deposits of the federal tax rebates will begin hitting bank accounts on Monday, according to the Internal Revenue Service, and paper checks will be sent starting next month.

The rebates, which will range from $300 for individuals to $1,200 for couples, are the centerpiece of the government's $168 billion stimulus package, enacted in February. Roughly 130 million households are expected to receive them, and lawmakers are hoping the money will give a boost to the weakening economy. ...