Biden lays out $1.9 trillion Covid relief package with $1,400 stimulus checks

[Galraedia]

Source: NBC News

President-elect Joe Biden laid out his $1.9 trillion relief package in a prime-time address Thursday — focusing on a new round of stimulus checks to struggling Americans and an ambitious vaccine distribution plan to control the deadly pandemic.

Biden will ask the new Democratic-controlled Congress to approve the "American Rescue Plan." A chunk of the funds —$416 billion— would help launch a national vaccination program with a goal of vaccinating 100 million Americans and reopening schools in the first 100 days of his administration.

The plan seeks to address a pandemic that continues to worsen. According to NBC News' Covid-19 data tracker, there have been 384,375 deaths and more than 23 million cases in the U.S.

Biden's speech was both harrowing and optimistic. He paid tribute to some of those who have died since the pandemic reached American shores and to the millions of people struggling to pay rent, keep their businesses afloat and buy basic needs for their families.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/biden-lays-out-1-9-trillion-covid-19-relief-package-n1254334?

[cstanleytech]

1. I think the 1,400 should be for those that lost their jobs first and are on unemployment.

The majority of the money though might be better off spent on major infrastructure like the bridges, roads and dams in our country that are falling apart as that would put a ton of people to work as well as get money flowing in the economy.

[mr_lebowski]

2. I'm not averse to means testing in this round either myself ...

Sure, I'd love 1400 more gubmint cheese (these last 2 stimulus checks are the only federal largesse I've ever availed myself of), but I'm presently lucky enough to not be struggling, so ...

However ... giving it to everyone conveniently makes it so damn near everyone (in the public) supports it. So there's that angle.

[Tommymac]

8. Point is to "trickle up"

All of us who may not really need it can spend the money at local small businesses that are struggling.

This will help keep them going.

[Blasphemer]

3. I don't personally need it, but I pass it on to family members who kind of fall through the cracks

Not unemployed but working low-wage jobs or on disability with increased expenses because of the pandemic (e.g. no free school breakfasts and lunches; increased transportation costs).

[catrose]

4. I'm also supporting another household, so this will be great for all of us.

[still_one]

5. I understand your point and agree that would be ideal, but I think they want to error on the side

of more not less, in hopes they won't miss anyone

The federal unemployment extended until the end of March plus a 400 dollar a week bonus for those on unemployment indicate they are aware where the emphasis needs to focus, along with rent and mortgage protection, food and child care assistance, etc.

[marie999]

7. My husband and I do not need any stimulus package for ourselves,

but we are helping to support 2 other families.