While it's commonly being called a bailout, the more appropriate term is "bridge loan" because it will help companies get through the start of the year.

The bridge loan for Chrysler and GM is big news, not only for the national economy, but also for Nebraska's.

"If they were forced to go into bankruptcy there would have been a devastating domino effect throughout our economy," said Nebraska auto dealer Brian Hamilton.

While President George W. Bush said in normal economic circumstances he would not intervene, the president said his administration decided to get involved because "allowing the U.S. Auto industry to collapse is not a responsible course of action."

Hamilton said if the companies had not received the bailout, it would have affected everyone, from car dealers to auto parts manufacturers to the union pacific rail-road.

"The main impact is on our state and local governments," said Hamilton. "We produce almost 20-percent of all the sales tax revenue for the whole state."

For now, the multi billion dollar lifeline should help automakers through the spring. By March 31, 2009, they must show they have a plan in place to support their futures. If they don't the loan will be called and GM and Chrysler must return the funds to the treasury.

"A viable plan would mean a lot less debt, a lot less expense and a way of providing enough revenue to come out of this," said Hamilton.

But some dealers say the credit crisis prevents their profitability.

"The thing that's really holding us up is credit," said Hamilton. "If anyone wants to buy a car, they have to have a credit union or a bank or a GMAC or a Ford credit or Chrysler credit to loan them the money to buy it."

Dealers estimate they have lost between 20 and 25 percent of their sales volume because of the credit situation. A situation that's out of their control and doesn't seem to be improving.