2.6 Million Jobs Lost In 2008, The Most Since 1945

As the jobless rate jumped another 7.2 percent, a new Gallup poll reveals a narrow majority in favor of Congress approving a stimulus bill as soon as possible. Some Democrats are criticizing parts of the Obama stimulus package. They want a greater focus on creating jobs and rebuilding the nation's energy infrastructure, rather than cutting taxes. Another point of contention is a proposal to allow bankruptcy courts to modify the terms of home loans, now reportedly favored by Citigroup, so long as it doesn't apply to new loans. Stay on top of our economic choices: see our Citizen's Survival Kit.