Trump signed the Coronavirus Relief bill late Sunday evening. Trump previously suggested he would not sign the bill. He wanted stimulus checks for Americans to increase from $600 to $2000. The bill avoids a government shutdown and extends unemployment benefits. While state agencies reprogram their systems, those on unemployment may experience a payment gap. The $2.3 trillion passed Congress last Monday. Trump argued the bill contained too many provisions on foreign aid. Yet, the bill had items he asked for in his annual budget.
The Pandemic Unemployment assistance program allows independent contractors, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and gig workers to qualify for up to 39 weeks of assistance. It also helps those who cannot work as a direct result of the pandemic. The program provides an additional 13 weeks of payments that would have expired at the end of the year. It also includes an extra $300 a week in compensation.
Many criticized the president for delaying the signing of the bill. Democrat, Richard Neal said, “The President’s pointless delay in approving the relief legislation cost millions of Americans a week’s worth of pandemic-related unemployment assistance that they desperately need. His stalling only intensified anxiety and hardship for workers and families who are collateral damage in his political games. Now, people will need to wait even longer for direct payments and other vital assistance to arrive.”
Renters facing eviction are also protected. Included in the package are eviction protections and rental help in the amount of $25 million. Renters would have to pay all back rent by January 1 to avoid evictions without signing this bill. The package extends eviction protections through January 31.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin initially said checks would be sent this week. With a weeklong delay in the signing of the bill, it is unknown if payments will still go out this week or if there will be a delay. The stimulus check of $600 per person amounts to $2400 for a family of four with children under the age of 17. Trump stated he still wants the bill amended to increase stimulus checks to $2000. Democrats agreed to an increase in the stimulus checks. Republicans refused citing concerns of a deficit. It is unlikely Congress will act on an increase to the stimulus checks until President-Elect, Joe Biden is sworn into office in January.
Danielle Sanders is a writer and journalist living in Chicago. Find her on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.
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