.png)
During these trying times, people have gone through innumerable challenges. Here in Hawaii, many have lost their jobs or have seen their paycheck cut in half due to the tourism industry standing on hold. Some businesses are on the brink of closing because they are not making a profit. Fortunately, many Americans have received help from the government through stimulus checks.
In March, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill to help people struggling financially during the pandemic. A portion of that relief package included one-time cash payments, or stimulus checks, to qualifying individuals. The first checks came out in mid-April. Single Americans received up to $1,200, married couples received up to $2,400, and $500 per child.
Through the relief package, the government helped many struggling Americans to provide food and other necessities for their families. Spending activity also helps businesses keep afloat during these troubling times. For many, the stimulus checks brought a sigh of relief. However, that was only the first round of the relief package.
The 1st round of checks came out around April. Since May, Congress has been discussing another round of stimulus checks, but the Democrats and Republicans have not reached an agreement. Hopes for the 2nd round of stimulus checks to come before the presidential election are off. Senators are on recess until November 9. Discussions have been going for months now because both political parties do not agree on the package’s size - $500 billion, $1.8 trillion, $2.2 trillion? Meanwhile, people are still struggling. About one-third of U.S. adults worked to pay for necessary expenses like food or rent at the end of September. In addition, unemployment benefits are projected to run out for most Americans by year’s end if new legislation is not approved soon.
The virus still looms. In Hawaii, some steps are being taken toward reopening, but the approach is cautious and slow. The economic recovery remains in the distance. Hopefully, just hopefully, the two parties will reach an agreement on the next round of financial relief and deliver help to the country’s people soon.