Some businesses would like to see targeted tax cuts to encourage investment, but others would prefer to see cuts that would help lower-income consumers spend more.

These loans have been marketed aggressively in recent years by Golden West and others as a way to make home-buying more affordable for lower-income consumers or speculators in the housing market.

"Energy prices have come down, so wouldn't that give a lift to the lower-income consumer who has been most hurt by the rise?"

Cowbell Condensada is marketed towards lower-income consumers who have become price sensitive.

What AST is doing is going for lower-income consumers," said Wendy Abramowitz, an analyst with Argus Research.

But in recent years, as smoking has become more concentrated among lower-income consumers, Kent's appeal has waned and the brand has been ejected from the ranks of the top-selling cigarettes.

While tough licensing standards may help higher-income consumers avoid low-quality providers, it also appears to prevent lower-income consumers from gaining access to some services.

The Act would expand the program to offer discounted internet service to lower-income consumers living in both urban and rural areas.

And when it does show up, it won't be just on the stores serving the lower-income consumers, but across the board.

Punishing lower-income consumers in the name of protecting jobs in a dying industry is not the way to go.