With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans from all walks of life are being confronted with the potential of financial ruin. According to numbers released by the Washington Post, there are currently 22 million Americans without work. Within the last week alone, over 5 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits.
President Trump and his administration have tried to ease the burden that the American people are facing by giving qualified individuals a $1200 stimulus check. However, a problem arises whenever we consider the likelihood that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be ending any time soon. The longer the pandemic continues, the greater the financial strain American’s will have to face. In the current market, a one time check of $1200 isn’t going to cut it. In most places, it can’t even cover the cost of a month’s rent and utilities, as well as food.
Senators Tim Ryan and Ro Khanna have attempted to provide a lasting reprieve from the financial troubles wrought by COVID-19 by proposing a $2000 a month stimulus check. The New York Post states that any American 16 and above making less than $130,000 annually would be eligible to receive a stimulus check. Married couples could receive up to $4,000 a month, and certain qualifying families could receive an additional $500 a month. We need a lasting solution, not a one-time payment and a pat on the back.
by Hayden Graves
