The Senate passed a $15 billion jobs bill today by a surprisingly bi-partisan 70-28 vote.

Businesses that hire unemployed workers would be exempt from the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax for that individual through December. The businesses would also get a $1000 credit if that worker stays on the job for a full year.

The New York Times reports on the bi-partisan vote, in which 13 Republicans voted for the Democratic measure.

The Associated Press caught up with New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer who wrote the tax break provision with Utah's Orrin Hatch, a Republican.  Schumer said the break would have an impact immediately because businesses won't have to apply for it when doing their taxes a year from now.

"It goes right to small businesses," Schumer says.

Additionally, the bill extends federal highway programs through 2010 and sets aside $20 billion for the highway and mass transit projects. Republicans objected to that measure, saying it would add to the deficit and actually bring the price tag of the bill to $35 billion. Democrats argued they are only accelerating spending that will be paid for later.

The bi-partisan vote precedes Thursday's televised health care reform summit between President Barack Obama and Republicans.