Obama Backing Research Tax Credits     09/05 09:18

   WASHINGTON (AP) -- A White House official says President Barack Obama will 
ask Congress to permanently extend research and development tax credits for 
businesses as a way to spur economic growth.

   Obama will outline the proposal Wednesday during a speech on the economy in 
Cleveland. The official says the $100 billion proposal will be paid for by 
closing other corporate tax breaks.

   The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the proposal has 
not been formally announced.

   The proposal was first reported by The New York Times.


(KA)