Federal Economic Stimulus Package

Congressional leaders and the White House announced, shortly after midnight, that an agreement had been reached on the nearly $2 trillion economic response stimulus package. A final vote is expected today, March 25th. Here are some of the key provisions under the historic relief package:  

 

  • Direct payments of $1,200 to most individuals making up to $75,000, or $2,400 for couples making up to $150,000. The amount decreases for individuals with incomes above $75,000, and payments cut off for those above $99,000. 

  • Expanded unemployment benefits that boost the maximum benefit by $600 per week and provides laid-off workers their full pay for four months 

  • $367 billion in loans for small businesses 

  • $150 billion for state and local governments – we will soon be doing a breakdown for the state of Washington and Seattle

  • $130 billion for hospitals 

  • $500 billion in loans for larger industries, including airlines 

  • Creation of an oversight board and inspector general to oversee loans to large companies 

  • Measure prohibiting companies owned by members of Congress, the President and their families from receiving federal relief 

 

For a nice easy-to-access story, please see: CBS News: What’s in the Senate’s $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package? 

On Friday, March 27th, the House of Representatives successfully approved the $2.2. trillion coronavirus relief package which offers increased security to the health care system, small business, laid-off workers, and the economy. The President is expected to sign and local and state governments, including the city of Seattle and Governor Inslee’s office will be assessing how best to access resources, particularly appropriations dedicated to helping small businesses.