WASHINGTON (AP) -- It's nice to know the check will be in the mail, but how much will those government rebate checks really do to kick-start the economy?

Under legislation being signed by President Bush today, millions of individuals and couples will be getting checks of anywhere from $300 to $1,200, and even more for families with kids. The checks will start going out in May.

Analysts figure the overall 168 billion dollar stimulus plan will probably keep the downturn from mushrooming into a crisis, but consumers may not be spreading the cash around as much as hoped.

Fewer than two in 10 of the people surveyed for an Associated Press-Ipsos poll say they plan to spend their checks. Three in 10 plan to invest the money and nearly half plan to use it to pay bills.