THE push for a fourth stimulus check is increasing after President Joe Biden said he was “open” to sending another Covid relief payment.
Democrats in Congress are pushing for eligible Americans to receive more cash before lawmakers’ July 4 recess – and they’re hoping to fast-track it even if Republicans are against it.
“He’s happy to hear from a range of ideas on what would be most effective and what’s most important to the economy moving forward,” she said.
Meanwhile, workers in Indiana have sued Governor Eric Holcomb after he halted unemployment payments before the federal expiration date on September 6.
After the judge there ruled that Holcomb’s decision did the plaintiffs’ “irreparable harm,” 22 other states that are ending the jobless benefits may follow suit.
Read our live blog below for the latest on stimulus checks...
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HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS LAWMAKERS SUPPORT STIMULUS
Among a pair of letters sent to President Joe Biden, seven Democrats from the House Ways and Means Committee had expressed their support for another round of stimulus checks.
It was signed by 26 Democrats, which had been pushing for the enactment of “automatic stabilizers.”
They believed that this would help lawmakers avoid negotiations tied to any future relief package, allowing for faster distribution.
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WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
The Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance program has made $46.55billion available to help renters struggling to pay rent or utilities following Covid.
To qualify for help, at least one member of your household must receive unemployment benefits.
Americans may also receive a boost if they can explain that Covid has directly caused a loss of income, making it difficult to pay rent.
Households will have to provide evidence that they are at risk of homelessness, but the support will cover both missed and future rent.
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NEW STATS SHOW UNEMPLOYMENT DECREASE
Stats released by the government agency on Wednesday show that 21 states have reported a decrease in unemployment since May, 28 have held firm and just one state reported an increase in its number of jobless residents.
A drop in unemployment is typically an indication that the economy is recovering.
This could jeopardize any plans for a fourth round of stimulus payments, at least for the moment, with the latest data supporting the GOP’s general opinion that additional federal aid is not necessary.
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HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY THE IRS?
On June 9, the IRS said it had now distributed more than 169million payments worth $395billion, but they have since warned there could be delays.
Some of the payments include “plus-up” adjustments for those who were underpaid in previous checks.
It comes amid a push for a fourth and fifth round of stimulus payments to help families cope with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
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EVICTION BAN EXTENDED
The Covid ban on eviction was set to end on June 30, but has now been extended until July 31 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The month-long extension is “intended to be the final one”, said the CDC.
It comes as 5.7million Americans – nearly 14% of all renters nationwide – had fallen behind on their rent in April.
The study by the National Equity Atlas revealed that tenants owed nearly $20billion in rent, with low-income people among those worst affected.
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WHEN DID INDIANA ANNOUNCE JOBLESS BENEFITS WOULD BE CUT?
Gov. Eric Halcomb of Indiana announced in May that by June 19, the state would stop the distribution of jobless benefits to its taxpayers.
The change will affect about 230,000 Indiana workers.
A lawsuit against the Governor argues that the state must procure all federal insurance benefits to residence and that the decision does harm to many still suffering in the Pandemic.
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JUDGE RULES THAT INDIANA CAN’T CUT UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
A judge ruled on Friday that the state of Indiana cannot cut jobless benefits.
26 states have now ceased the $300 weekly bonus checks and assistance to freelancers included in the newest stimulus bill.
According to the judge, the state’s decision was causing “irreparable harm” by jeopardizing taxpayers’ ability to pay for rent, childcare, and basic medical needs.
