WASHINGTON -  The White House is claiming that President Barack Obama’s controversial economic stimulus plan has created or saved more than 650,000 jobs since its implementation.  Obama’s goal of 3.5 million jobs saved or created by the end of near year is still in sight.

A report containing near numbers of job numbers from state and local governments, nonprofits, universities, and businesses are set to be released later today.  Officials said that they looked at $150 billion of stimulus spending and measured the number of 650,000 jobs saved and created.  The figure was based on state and local projects paid for by the stimulus such as education, highway repairs and new constructions.

The $787 billion economic stimulus plan has been under fire since Obama announced it, but it seems that it may be paying off.  The plan was just one of many government economic recovery plans that have helped the economy grow after a full year of losses.  The tax cuts of $288 billion, when accounted for, may create or save upwards of 1 million jobs.

Vice President Joe Biden is set to discuss the numbers at 12 P.M EDT with other officials.  The data will be posted on the web site of the board overseeing the stimulus later today.  When the numbers are released, they will be the best depiction of the impact of the stimulus money thus far.

The industry that may have benefited most from the stimulus may be education.  State budgets had been in bad shape, but with the help of federal aid, many governors did not have to make cuts in education.  The thousands of teachers who still have their job is a good indication that the stimulus may be working.