UPDATE 2-US' Paulson-Tax rebates to aid economy by summer

(Adds comments from question-and-answer session)

By Ros Krasny

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Thursday tax rebates now being issued to Americans will immediately help consumers and bolster the economy by summer.

The United States is going through "a difficult patch," Paulson said in a speech to local business leaders in Kansas City. "A good number of Americans are having trouble making ends meet ... we're very focused on getting the economy going again."

"We expect that these payments will help right away -- help individuals, families and our economy. Giving people cash means they can decide how best to use it," Paulson said adding that there are no current plans for a second round of stimulus.

Paulson declined specific comment on the U.S. dollar's recent rise against the euro, following a Financial Times report on Thursday that U.S. and European policy-makers have backed the move.

"I have always advocated that a strong dollar is in our nation's interests," he said. "The long-term prospects of the U.S. economy are very strong, and compare favorably with those of other economies of the world."

Paulson earlier visited a Treasury printing plant in Kansas City, watching hundreds of tax rebate checks being printed as the economic stimulus plan powers up into top gear.

Given the high price of gasoline, "some families will use these checks to buy gas for the summer vacation," Paulson said. "It'll help a lot of American families who need (help) right now."