Biden Announces COVID-19 Relief Plan
Yesterday, President-elect Joe Biden unveiled his COVID-19 relief plan. Costing around $1,900,000,000,000, this plan would approve another round of stimulus checks, raise the national minimum wage to $15 an hour, increase unemployment support, and more. While some on the left are already criticizing Biden’s plan, I’m thoroughly impressed with the proposed relief package that will help millions of Americans through this seemingly never-ending health crisis.
One of the biggest points of criticism Biden is receiving is his proposed $1,400 checks, which would complement the previous $600 stimulus payments to bring the grand total to $2,000. It seems that some were expecting a new set of $2,000 checks, but I never interpreted the proposed plans that way. Additionally, adult dependents will receive this payment, unlike previously. A large group of people previously forgotten will be assisted by this plan assuming it passes the Senate.
Biden’s plan will also provide $400 of unemployment insurance to Americans through September, which is roughly around the time I imagine enough Americans will be vaccinated to bring things back to a semblance of normalcy. If things go in the Democrats’ favor, which they should because they will have full government control, the federal minimum wage will be increased to $15 an hour. Finally, the minimum wage on a full-time schedule will be above the poverty line.
Importantly, the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums will be extended until September, ensuring that individuals and families struggling to make end’s meet won’t face the grim reality of homelessness in the coming months. A combined $70,000,000 will be spent on testing and vaccine funding, which will help mitigate further spread when paired with mask wearing, social distancing, and constant sanitization.
President-elect Biden is showing initiative early-on by announcing these proposals and his cabinet selections prior to even being inaugurated. I voted for Joe Biden because he was clearly the favorable choice when compared to Donald Trump, but I am now excited that Biden’s plans, including this one, are far more progressive and ambitious than I expected. Hopefully this plan does in fact bring relief to the millions of Americans desperate for help from their government.