Americans have already received three stimulus checks from the federal government. Payments up to $1,200 and $600 were made under the Trump administration and the Biden administration sent checks of as much as $1,400 to Americans whose income was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, if 21 democrats in Congress are to have their way, you may just be eligible for a recurring stimulus check tied to certain economic conditions. Democrats from every part of the ideological spectrum have written an ambitious letter to the President, asking his administration to make recurring cash payments and extend unemployment insurance benefits. A recurring cash payment system and extensions of unemployment assistance are measures that once combined, will provide an effective form of relief for low-income families.
The democrats who signed the letter include Ron Wyden of Oregon, Sen. Majority Whip Dick Durbin, and moderates like Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Jack Reed, D-R.I. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis were among the first to support the proposal.
The 21 senators have bolstered their proposal with support from two left-leaning organizations. The Progressive Change Institute and Economic Security Project, both grassroots organizations are also advocating for the proposal.
The letter, which was drafted in early March, but only reached the White House at the end of the month stated, “Families deserve certainty that they can put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Families should not be at the mercy of constantly shifting legislative timelines and ad hoc solutions.” The letter does not include details about the size and frequency of payments, income eligibility, or any clauses that would make the federal government cut off the money. However, the proposal fits neatly within Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan which was designed to allow federal investments in infrastructure, a revival of domestic manufacturing, and a commitment to addressing climate change.
The President is preparing to reveal details of the “Build Back Better” plan in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.