US Senators Propose that Americans Should Be Paid $2,000 Monthly

With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging all nations of the world, and global economies falling, the United States has taken different measures to ensure that both the economy and citizens are well catered for. A few months ago, President Trump ratified the CARES Act of 2020, targeted towards protecting Americans from facing financial hardships amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Act has been segmented into different parts to address different needs, from unemployment issues to small business financial support.

The rate of unemployment in the US continues to rise as a result of many companies laying off their workers. Approximately 88.2 million Americans have received their $1,200 stimulus check which was part of the $2 trillion stimulus package under the CARES Act of 2020. While some Americans have received theirs, tens of millions are still expecting theirs which may last over the coming weeks or months.

Initially, two members of Congress, Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) proposed the Emergency Money for the People Act which will give Americans $2,000 a month for at least 6 months. While the proposal was being considered with others, Sen. Ed Markey (Massachusetts), Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont), and Sen. Kamala Harris (California) have proposed a new bill, titled the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act.

The proposed bill which was presented on Friday is aimed at providing monthly checks of $2,000 a month. That is, individuals that earn up to $100,000 would receive $2,000 a month. Married couples would receive $4,000 jointly a month. Families with children would receive $2,000 per child (for three children). While those who file as head of family could receive up to $150,000.

The bill is supposed to provide Americans with $2,000 monthly payments all through the pandemic and three months after the pandemic.

This proposal is in line with the considerations about a second stimulus check for Americans. Although, it has not been fully decided what form the next stimulus check might take. Some lawmakers propose actual checks while other suggestions range6 from improving national infrastructure to providing monetary support for state and local governments, payroll tax cuts, loan forgiveness, and student loan forgiveness.

Prior to now, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), was in support of the second stimulus check being substituted for developing national infrastructure as a way of creating more job opportunities by the time the US economy reopens. This would include roads, bridges, waterways, tunnels, and broadband.

She has, however, recently indicated support for an actual check—the monthly relief checks. Saying that basic income is “worthy of attention.”

As regards the $2,000 bill proposal, Senator Markey said he is proud to support senators Sanders and Harris “in calling for recurring direct cash assistance” to reassure Americans that the financial support would last for as long as the pandemic continues and “that their government will support them.”

“A single check is not sufficient for households that are struggling during this health and economic crisis. Americans need more than just one payment... Providing recurring monthly payments is the most direct and efficient mechanism for delivering economic relief to those most vulnerable in this crisis, particularly low-income families, immigrant communities, and our gig and service workers,” he said.