Stimulus Checks, Back-To-Work Bonuses Likely For Next Relief Package

By Dave Basner

July 6, 2020

When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March, politicians on both sides of the aisle quickly agreed on a stimulus check and soon after, millions of Americans got one. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for the follow-up relief package. Though the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act in May, the Senate did not pass it after taking issue with its price tag, and since then, Senators have been debating what should be included in it. One of the biggest sticking points is if it should include a second stimulus check. Some Democrats want to see one go out monthly while some Republicans don't want one at all and would rather a different kind of benefit, like a tax break.

Now, President Trump has weighed in with some surprising comments. He told Fox Business that not only is he in favor of another stimulus payment, but he wants it to be big. When asked if he wants another set of direct payments Trump answered, "I support actually larger numbers than the Democrats, but it's gotta be done properly." He added, "I want the money getting to people to be larger so they can spend it. I want the money to get there quickly and in a non-complicated fashion."

This could be very good news for Americans hoping for a second check, as Republicans tend to fall in line with the Commander-in-Chief, and the White House is definitely leaning in that direction. Economic adviser Larry Kudlow, who previously seemed to be in favor of other kinds of benefits and not a check, recently said that the next relief package will be large-scale and "probably" include a stimulus check. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin echoed those sentiments last week, noting that the administration is going to "seriously consider" another cash payment - a turnaround from an earlier statement he made about the bill being more job-focused and potentially not having the stimulus check. Nonetheless, expect to still see some back-to-work bonus as well in it so people are enticed to get back to work rather than collect unemployment benefits.

So why the change? Well coronavirus numbers are on a steady rise and with states slowing their reopening plans, more layoffs and economic troubles could lie ahead. Politicians can see that potential future and want to prepare for it.

Congress is currently on a recess but the Senate is set to reconvene on the 20th. They are hoping to hash out a bill before the end of the month so Americans will have a stimulus check by early to mid August. Hopefully they are able to come to an agreement since they have another break planned from August 7 to September 7 and if they can't decide on something before then, a stimulus check won't go out until well after Labor Day - if ever.

Photo: Getty Images

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