Will
people have to sacrifice their health so they can continue feeding their
families?
Stimulus money is a hot topic these days, amidst the
corona virus pandemic. People are concerned about the livelihood of their
families.
Sacrificing your health to continue feeding your
family should not be the only option.
While the politicians debate about the stimulus
money on the horizon, Americans are waiting breathlessly.
Stimulus Money Paid
The stimulus money already paid out of the first 2
trillion-dollar budget was, and still is a controversial subject.
Critics on one side felt it was too much, while the
people who needed it the most felt it wasn’t enough. For most Americans, the
money is spent, yet they’re still struggling to feed their families.
This CARES ACT (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act) was called a “stimulus” but it clearly did nothing to
actually stimulate our failing
economy.
While it might have provided some much-needed relief
to many Americans and at least some of the nation’s businesses; the first round
of government assistance fell extremely short of what was needed.
Follow-on Stimulus Bill
The next round of funds, referred to as a “follow-on
bill” was particularly meant to help small businesses, with important employee
issues like Paycheck Protection and
Health Care Enhancement Act.
But one again, critics on both sides complained.
There were many justifiable complaints about the shortcomings of the bill and
how it was implemented.
Among other things, there was the failure to include
protection and hazard pay for first responders and front line workers. This is
definitely something that has to be addressed in the future.
Future Stimulus Money
Now, after the inadequacy of the follow-on funding,
yet another stimulus bill is being discussed. Hopefully the next one will go a
lot further and do a lot more.
A particular focus will be on helping cities and
state governments all over the nation. Their budgets are being depleted, thanks
to COVID-19.
Many cities and states worry about not being able to
fund their schools, hospitals, police and fire departments, etc.
As of right now (Wednesday, May 13, 2020), nothing is certain. The need for the bill is still being debated, not to
mention, they will still have to decide on the specifics.
But whatever specifics, and logistics that Congress
has to work out (in a bi-partisan way), they will most certainly have to agree on,
and pass something.
While the nation could definitely use a stimulus to
the economy, most people are in such bad shape, any future stimulus money won't do much stimulating. It will
merely serve as a much needed relief valve.
And the need
for this relief is painfully evident.
To consider how much of a financial relief this
money on the horizon is,
READ ALSO:
- Cash Relief on the Horizon: Is Your Stimulus Money Already Spent?
- Stimulating the Economy Will Take All Kinds of Spending
