Prominent economist Robert Reich argues that with all signs pointing to the economic recession getting worse, now is an important time for government to invest in education, health care, and infrastructure. (New York Times)

Through a provision in the $700 billion bailout package, people who commute to work on two wheels will become eligable to receive a $20 tax-free reimbursement each month. (San Francisco Chronicle — Rachel Gordon)

U.S. automakers are months away from being able to use $25 billion in low-interest loans from the federal government. (Associated Press — Ken Thomas)

Citiwire commentator Neal Peirce writes that the real way for the federal government to address our structural economic problems would be to invest in infrastructure and help lay the foundation for a green economy.

The editor of The Nation argues that the economic bailout in its current form may bring short-term solutions for the financial industry, but will do little to address broader issues like America’s crumbling infrastructure and overdependence on oil.

Amidst the high-profile discussion over a massive bailout of the financial industry, the U.S. House quietly approves a $25 billion loan guarantee to help Detroit automakers build more fuel-efficient cars. (Los Angeles Times — Richard Simon)