By Bill Badour
UNIVERSITY CENTER – On Friday, March 13, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency because of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19.
On Wednesday, March 18, the Treasury Department released a stimulus package proposal to battle economic damage caused by the virus. On that same day, Trump signed a $100 billion COVID-19 aid package.
The stimulus package offers payments from the federal government to all U.S. tax paying adults. The proposal detailed two dates – April 6 and May 18 – for the money to be sent.
The federal government sending stimulus checks during a particularly difficult time is not a new idea. There have been three instances of this economic stimulus since 2000.
The largest stimulus in recent history was part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, giving between $300 and $600 to each tax-paying citizen. While the incoming stimulus check is expected to be the largest yet, the exact amount will likely depend on income and family size, but senators have suggested roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per person.
The $100 billion package includes free COVID-19 testing, paid sick leave and emergency leave for some workers, enhanced unemployment benefits, food assistance, and increased funding for Medicaid.
The aid package provides for free testing, but these tests have been largely unavailable.
To qualify for the sick leave, a person must be employed for a private business with fewer than 500 employees, but more than 50 employees. The employee must also have contracted COVID-19 or be caring for someone affected.
An additional 10 weeks can be taken off, but it would be at two-thirds of normal pay. This bill exempts companies with more than 500 workers or less than 50 workers from requiring paid sick leave.
Food assistance increases provided by the bill adds to numerous already-existing programs. $500 million was given to feed mothers and young children, the largest funding from the bill. $250 million was given to home-delivery meal programs for seniors.
The story of the stimulus package is still developing; as of March 23, a consensus had not been reached in the U.S. Senate for how to properly word and pass the bill. Until this bill is passed, stimulus checks will not be sent out to any citizens.
