House Democrats propose sending checks of up to $6,000 to help

[turbinetree]

ease workers’ pain curing coronavirus pandemic

Published 2 hours ago on March 13, 2020
By Common Dreams

“As more folks are staying in and taking necessary steps to avoid spread of the coronavirus, more Americans will struggle to cover basic needs like rent, groceries, and medicines.”

As President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday to free up $50 billion in funding to address the coronavirus pandemic, a pair of Democratic congressmen proposed legislation that would provide a check of up to $6,000 to every American whose income last year was below $65,000.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak that began in Wuhan, China late last year has so far killed over 5,000 people and infected tens of thousands worldwide. As governments impose travel restrictions, the U.S. stock market continues to fluctuate, and business and schools increasingly shut down, lawmakers and the Trump administration have debated how to help out Americans who are struggling financially because of the public health crisis.

Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) on Friday called for creating an emergency Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to send checks of $1,000 and $6,000 to the more than three-quarters of American workers who would qualify. Within three weeks of the legislation’s passage, 200 million Americans would receive checks, followed by monthly payments through the end of 2020. The proposal would especially serve independent contractors and hourly and gig workers.

https://www.rawstory.com/2020/03/house-democrats-propose-sending-checks-of-up-to-6000-to-help-ease-workers-pain-curing-coronavirus-pandemic/

That is a great idea...............................

[jimfields33]

1. Qualify ? That's mighty scary

For example I am retired military with a VA classification together worth 3100 a month. I also made 9,900 in extra jobs around the neighborhood. So may total was around 40K. Will that qualify or do only traditional job holders get anything? What about senior citizens???

I know they say up to 200 million, but what does that mean.

Of course, the senate will say no so it’s all moot anyway. Ugh!

[lunasun]

6. It sounds like it is for what some would define as non traditional work in the OP

“The proposal would especially serve independent contractors and hourly and gig workers. “

That would be you I would assume

[pangaia]

28. Like freelance musicians? Probably a category nobody ever thinks about.

I just donated to the New York Classical Players.

[lunasun]

31. It's a gig. I know people who are non traditional and already seeing declines

[DENVERPOPS]

17. You know what would be fun?

For everyone to file an extension until October 15th. You might have to pay a small penalty?, but the frightening effect on Trump and Republican Politicians would be worth it.........

Some tax accountant would have to tell me if my idea is crazy or not......Many of them are more than likely Repubs, so we will have to judge their replies.

[jimfields33]

19. I get mine done March 28th

I wouldn’t mind holding off to piss of trump and repugs.

[lunasun]

34. Probably will not be a penalty . Trump is already moving that way but no details . I imagine blanket

delay
president did not state the date to which taxpayers will be allowed to delay their tax filings, but it is expected to be between June 15 and October 15. Nor did the president specify which taxpayers would be eligible for this tax deadline relief.

Details from IRS to follow

[Mars and Minerva]

25. Did you pay employment taxes on the odd jobs?

I don't think it will matter what you do to earn the money as long as you declare what you make, pay into the system and have a history of it.

[ToxMarz]

40. I don't know anymore than the article says, but

"to every American whose income last year was below $65,000" would seem to mean just that.

I would imagine that last year's tax return would be what they used to qualify you. If your tax returns from last year don't show that, I would imagine there is very stringent criteria (if any) they would accept otherwise.

[rockfordfile]

2. I don't like giving out checks

[jimfields33]

3. Really?

[lunasun]

5. Then you must have the means to not interact with working people who will not comply if they need

rent cash and food when ill
Why would someone healthy under 45 stay home when sick when the odds are they will recover and if they don’t have any means to any money otherwise? Plus management can tell many no matter the age OK stay home then don’t come back
at least this would be some leverage to comply

The proposal would especially serve independent contractors and hourly and gig workers.
This usually means no sick pay or unemployment

[DENVERPOPS]

22. How about funding it

with a retro active repeal of the last several tax cuts for the rich and corporations. that should be at least a trillion dollars or more?

Of course, if the shit hits the fan, you will see every last one of thewealthy republicans and republican politicians flying out of the U.S. like bats out of a giant cave.........

Of course Trump is already promising "bail outs" to every corporate industry in America...........That will be done with the giddy approval of the Republican Senate, while anything that gives anything to U.S. citizens will be merely "tabled" and not even voted on.......

I can well imagine the Republicans will cease ALL taxes on anyone earning over a half a million a year and corporations earning over one million a year with the logic that THOSE individuals and corporations will be the ones TRULY sacrificing to the rebuilding of America.........And, therefore deserve the right to not be taxed.......(I can hear them saying those exact words.......LOL)

[Flaleftist]

7. I don't like sushi.

[trueblue2007]

10. U don't like sushi. i don't like lima beans.

[Flaleftist]

11. F U!

Lima beans are awesome!

[dewsgirl]

32. I don't like mushrooms.

[SammyWinstonJack]

8. Okay.

[DENVERPOPS]

24. Especially when you remember

that the 50 million that voted for Trump don't bear any of the consequences and get the same amount!?!?

[Wednesdays]

37. Then don't.

[Ohiogal]

4. That's my Congressman!

Tim Ryan!

[edhopper]

9. I am on the income border

But if I got one I would spend it on local small businesses.

[Cal Carpenter]

13. As a small local mom and pop person

I thank you for saying that, and doing that.

Seven years of blood sweat and tears to make my business nearly, finally viable may be meaningless if this shuts us down for a couple months.

The thought of any cash assistance is a huge relief, and the idea that people would deliberately use it to help nurse businesses like mine along throughout this nightmare warms my heart.

Hubby and I are struggling with the decision to lock our doors for the time being. We hope to make it through the weekend and reevaluate. Our state seems to be shutting down fast in the last 48 hours, schools, libraries, even our bank. This isn't going away and I expect nonessential businesses will be asked or even ordered to cease operations before long. On top of our fears for the health of our community and ourselves, the thought of shuttering our business without knowing what the coming weeks and months hold is heartbreaking.

[Turin_C3PO]

16. I'm sorry you're going through all of this.

I wish you and your business the absolute best in the (hopefully) near future.

[Cal Carpenter]

18. Thanks so much

This is already impacting so many people and it will only get worse. But we are not alone, and at least virtual hugs are still safe.

[DarthDem]

35. I'm very sorry to hear that

I very firmly believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we're going to emerge from this a better and stronger nation. I believe you will not only make it through the weekend as you planned, but through next week and the week after as well! It warms my heart, as it must yours, that we have empathetic, caring politicians like Nancy Pelosi working on this. My best to you!!

[Sucha NastyWoman]

12. Wouldn't that just be a bitch

If your last years income was $65,100.?

[rickyhall]

14. And the evil turtle sends the Senate home for weekend.

Hope he gets it never comes back.

[gibraltar72]

15. I would spend mine on campaign pledges.

[ibegurpard]

20. Well i can tell you for sure

At this point and any point in the forseeable future i sure as shit wouldn't be spending it. It would go in a mattress.

[bucolic_frolic]

21. It's a bold idea

Too large to have any chance of passing, but I guess that's part of the method, go big or go home.

I think they should target workers who actually lose work because of COVID-19, even if it's government ordered shutdowns, as well as those earning less than $30k. Checks in the thousands would create a lot of inflation as retailers see opportunity to raise prices.

Perhaps they could target rent or mortgage and food vouchers for those who lose work.

This legislation won't move an inch before January 2021

[yaesu]

23. agree. nt

[cstanleytech]

26. I would amend it to 6k for singles under 30k and for couples under 65k it should be 10k.

Of course then you have the disabled and or elderly adults being cared for by a relative so those people should qualify for the 6k as a single assuming they are not married of course in which case the couple qualify for the 10k.
I know there will be some Republicans who will whine about the cost to the budget but really it will directly stimulate the economy as those people unlike the wealthy will actually spend the majority of that money inside the US as they will not sit on most of it and reinvest in stocks that do nothing except gain value.

[OAITW r.2.0]

27. We really can't have a 40-50% contraction in our consumer oriented economy.

We have become a service economy for the better of 15 years. We lost our manufacturing soul in the late 90's.


Then what?

[chillfactor]

29. Wish they did not forget us seniors

who fight every month to survive each day.

[Hoyt]

33. I agree; but, theoretically, we are still getting our benefits as usual, even if deficient.

[wnylib]

41. But stocking up on household supplies,

plus 3 months supply of prescriptions all at once, eats up a month's income fast. Then wait a month to finish buying supplies you could not afford the previous month, which means the risk of going in public a month after it is already not good to go out. Not to mention depleted supplies in stores by then.

And then what if you do get sick and need medical care?

[Hoyt]

42. Maybe a partial payment. The intent is to help folks out for what

they might be losing. That is mostly those who will lose pay and work.

Medical care, we still have Medicare. But, some might need help with copays.

But, you make a good point.

[wnylib]

43. I understand the intent. I am pointing

out that the situation puts increased expenses on people whose fixed incomes do not allow for extra expenses. So they do without needed supplies, or cannot stock up for a period of quarantine, or for staying home for their own safety. This occurs when their pensions and IRAs are tanking.

I did not get a 3 month supply of my inhaler, for example, because the copay was way out of reach. I will not get a one month supply this month, either, because 3 months of other meds makes it impossible. I have a couple weeks worth of samples from the doctor that I am saving instead of using now, in case I get sick.

[Demonaut]

30. before or after taxes?

[Hoyt]

38. If it's before or after taxes, I'd still take the help.

[DarthDem]

39. If it's an EITC

. . . as the article states then I don't believe taxes would be deducted from it. Or if you were asking about the $65K, I'm sure they mean gross income.

[Hoyt]

36. To improve chances of passage, I wouldn't pay people who are still working.

I’m all for help for those who lose their jobs or hours. I’m for covering healthcare costs, etc.

But, a lot of people will continue to work. They’ll benefit the next time if a precedent is set.