New construction is down right now in the housing market, with housing starts lower than they have been in years. Builders have been asking for help, but most of the focus is on homeowners.

Indeed, Congress is pressuring the Treasury department right now, asking for aid to homeowners who are in foreclosure. There is talk of an increased tax credit for new homebuyers (something that could help builders as well), and insistence that TARP could go to the aid of homeowners.

Perhaps this might be a good thing. But instead of just helping homeowners, maybe an economic stimulus package could be aimed on a widespread basis at individuals. We’ve found that trickle down doesn’t work. So let’s try some trickle up.