Ten, nine, eight, seven…..that’s the countdown as we approach July 31st and the end of a portion of the COVID-related government aid, which is part of the $2+ trillion CARES Act. In exactly seven days, the extra $600 per week in unemployment assistance for the 25+ million people who have accessed these benefits will expire unless extended by Congress. Democrats claim unemployment beneficiaries need the extra $600 per week through the end of the year, given the pandemic. However, Republicans argue that in many cases, recipients are receiving more money being unemployed than working. Other relief measures expiring on July 31st include mortgage and rent protection, which Democrats claim will lead to mass eviction and homelessness unless extended. There’s no question Congress will approve more funding. After all, the Democrats will be happy to spend more money, and Republicans aren’t embracing austerity in the election window. The line for more funding is long: unemployment assistance, support for local and state budgets, a payroll tax cut, additional direct payments to individuals, investment in medical research, and a build-out of testing capacity, more PPP funds for small businesses. Congress will likely offer financial support for all of these groups and may even throw in a set of steak knives! What won’t stop on July 31st is the escalating
Episode 10: Feeling Good
Episode 10: Feeling Good
Episode 10: Feeling Good
Ten, nine, eight, seven…..that’s the countdown as we approach July 31st and the end of a portion of the COVID-related government aid, which is part of the $2+ trillion CARES Act. In exactly seven days, the extra $600 per week in unemployment assistance for the 25+ million people who have accessed these benefits will expire unless extended by Congress. Democrats claim unemployment beneficiaries need the extra $600 per week through the end of the year, given the pandemic. However, Republicans argue that in many cases, recipients are receiving more money being unemployed than working. Other relief measures expiring on July 31st include mortgage and rent protection, which Democrats claim will lead to mass eviction and homelessness unless extended. There’s no question Congress will approve more funding. After all, the Democrats will be happy to spend more money, and Republicans aren’t embracing austerity in the election window. The line for more funding is long: unemployment assistance, support for local and state budgets, a payroll tax cut, additional direct payments to individuals, investment in medical research, and a build-out of testing capacity, more PPP funds for small businesses. Congress will likely offer financial support for all of these groups and may even throw in a set of steak knives! What won’t stop on July 31st is the escalating