Cash For Clunkers Money Could Run Out Soon ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -
The federal cash for clunkers program began last week, and already, ten percent of the funding has been claimed.

A Michigan Congresswoman says at this rate, the money could be gone long before November when the program officially ends.

The cash for clunkers program offers customers up to 45-hundred dollars to trade in a gas guzzler for a new, fuel-efficient vehicle. The trade-in must get 18 miles per gallon or less.

The new vehicle must get at least four miles per gallon better.

Congresswoman Candace Miller says at this rate, the funding could be gone within weeks.

"It's sort of a wonderful problem to have, because it's doing exactly what we had intended it to do by getting people into the showrooms, and when they do so, they are actually purchasing an automobile."

Miller says it's proof that a properly-funded cash for clunkers program could truly jumpstart the economy.

"Through our history since we've had the automobile, it has been auto sales that has pulled this nation out of recessions that we've had previously."

On Wednesday, Miller sent a letter to the House leadership, asking them to consider boosting the program's funding when the August recess is over. © Copyright 2010, Michigan Radio