Will Congress keep us from Covid cliff?

Will the United States face another double-dip recession? That remains up to Congress. Leaders of both parties continue to try to hammer out agreement on a second round of coronavirus relief, and it looks like they remain far apart on a deal, and may be heading for a Covid cliff. Without a second round of stimulus, millions of Americans will see their federal jobless benefits end, while a nationwide eviction ban and emergency paid sick leave will also come to an end on the day after Christmas. Talk about a lump of coal. The House passed its version of a relief package way back in May, but it has gone no where since. In the latest development, the U.S. Treasury Secretary has proposed a package that is smaller in scope, and may not provide the help where it is most needed. That plan would include a second round of payments to individuals, $600 per person, half of what was sent earlier this year. It would be nice to get another check, but shouldn’t the help go where it is needed most? Small businesses are barely hanging on, and without government support may soon be closing their doors. Those without jobs who can’t afford their rent or mortgage payments will soon be unable to pay their bills. And if the ban on evictions ends, could find themselves homeless. Our lawmakers should target this money to where the help is needed. Let’s help them first, and maybe we can keep the U.S. economy from falling over that Covid cliff.