Democratic leaders plan to clear an economic stimulus package as quickly as possible this year, hoping to act before the economy worsens, lawmakers said Wednesday.

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md., said he thinks it’s possible a stimulus package could be on President Bush’s desk in 30 days.

“We are very hopeful in our discussions with the Republican leadership and the White House,’’ he told reporters. “I think there’s a reason to be optimistic we can agree that acting quickly, timely, is important.’’

Sen. Charles E. Schumer , D-N.Y., chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, concurred. “If this isn’t done in the first quarter  . . .  it may be too late,” Schumer said. “If you wait too long, you’re going to lose maximum effect.”

In a move that could ease the path to speedy action, Hoyer said he agreed a stimulus package should not be subject to pay-as-you-go budget rules that would require raising taxes to offset the cost of tax rebates or other provisions.

“Deficit spending is justified when you are trying to stimulate the economy,’’ Hoyer said before meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif., and the House’s two top Republicans, Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio and GOP Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, to discuss economic stimulus.

Schumer said the package is expected to cost about $100 billion. While details have yet to be finalized, Democrats have consistently favored some form of tax rebate in an effort to get cash into the hands of consumers, along with expanded unemployment insurance and food stamp benefits.

Meanwhile, House Republican Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia and members of the conservative Republican Study Committee touted a proposal that focuses on tax breaks for businesses. “Job growth — not increased government spending — is the key to addressing the slowdown in investment due to the housing crisis,” Cantor said.