Growth of output in the manufacturing sector was only moderate, while a marginal rise in new orders offset the fall in new business reported by the service sector.

BBC: Scottish business going through soft patch, says survey

The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit targeted to low to moderate income working individuals and families since it helps offset Social Security taxes for taxpayers who work but make a limited amount of earned income during the year.

FORBES: IRS Proposes New Regulations for Submitting EITC Claims

While the current program does not have that spending incentive, this may be offset by its greater emphasis on people of low and moderate incomes.

FORBES: Wharton On The Economic Stimulus Package