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Senator Graham: “Stimulus a Lost Opportunity“
02/17/09 5:09 pm   |   reporter: Shawn Smetana   producer: Katie Newingham
ABC News 4 - Senator Graham: “Stimulus a Lost Opportunity“
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North Charleston, SC - A stimulus plan signed, sealed and delivered, but will it work? Here's how it breaks down, $787 billion in all and $3.2 billion for South Carolina. This controversial plan comes with criticism. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (web | news | bio) calls it a lost opportunity, saying the biggest losers work right here on Main Street.

A mom and pop flower shop tucked away in North Charleston is suffering because of the economy. In past years, the business was blooming, but as the economy soured, flower sales began to wither.

“It’s really hard for a small business right now, extremely hard, hard to get a loan, taxes everything, and we had to let a couple of people go because of hard times,” said Michele Paul, manager of McGrath’s Florist in North Charleston.

To make ends meet, employees are taking on more work. The good news is McGrath’s remains open. A different fate for a coffee shop around the corner, closed down.

“I think we blew it, I think we spent money mindlessly and we spent it quickly without a debate. I think we grew government without creating jobs,” said Graham.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham says the stimulus package failed on a number of levels. Small business, he says, got the short end of the stick. A message he delivered in person to store owners.

“This is where the rubber meets the road, main street USA, and the stimulus plan is not going to help you as much as it should,” said Graham.

Graham posed a few questions at each stop, even apologizing for the government’s failure.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry we didn't do better, we could have done things to make your business easier to operate, lower your taxes so you didn't have to layoff two people,” said Graham.

The U.S. Senator openly criticized the plan, saying the money would be better spent on tax breaks, and job creation. Still, Graham hopes he's wrong and this package will be the seed to a growing economy.

Graham says the package contains just $3 billion to help small business. The Obama administration says the package will save or create more than 3.5 million jobs over the next two years.

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