A group of progressive Democrats in Congress have proposed a new bill that would provide guaranteed, ongoing $1,200 monthly stimulus checks for adults, undocumented immigrants, and $600 for each child in the household.
Bill proposed for stimulus payments to all Americans, qualifying undocumented immigrants
Progressive Democrats in Congress are introducing a program called the Sending Unconditional Payments to People Overcoming Resistances to Triumph (SUPPORT) Act seeking to provide ongoing stimulus payments to Americans and their children, as well as qualified undocumented immigrants.
The bill was introduced by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and co-sponsored by representatives Cori Bush (D-MO), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Pramila Jayapal (D-CA).
“Poverty is a choice,” Omar said in a statement from an official House press release announcing the bill. “For too long we have prioritized endless growth while millions are homeless, hungry or without healthcare.”
“The pandemic has laid bare these inequalities,” Omar continued. “We as a nation have the ability to make sure everyone has their basic needs like food, housing and healthcare met.”
Not quite Universal Basic Income…Yet
However, before you call the proposal “universal basic income,” keep in mind, there are certain qualifications to be eligible for the stimulus payments. Therefore, because not everyone will be eligible, this keeps the program from being something that could be called “universal.” The program comes closer to being a federal form of welfare.
How the stimulus will work if passed
The legislation would set up a “pilot program” funded by a $2.5 billion pot. The funding is expected to support the program from 2023 to 2027, giving it enough cash to pay $1,200 monthly for adults and $600 monthly for each child in the home during that run.
During the 5-year stretch, different communities will be involved. Afterward, the program would be available to every American who qualifies, plus any undocumented immigrant, in 2028, XPXI reported.
Who will be eligible?
To receive full benefits (the maximum monthly amount), taxpayers would need to meet the following qualifications:
Single filing adults with adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 would be eligible. Those filing as head of household with an AGI of up to $112,000 would be eligible. Adults who file jointly with incomes up to $150,000.
In addition, families with children under 18 would receive $600 per child.
Example scenario: A family with two adults and two children being younger than age 18 and a yearly income under $150,000 would be eligible for $3,600 a month.
Critics opposed to additional stimulus
In April, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said: “I can’t imagine the economy is going to need a fourth round. People have been cooped up for a year — it’s going to take off like a rocket, and it doesn’t need any assistance from borrowed money and higher taxes.”
Unemployment is decreasing and employers are struggling to fill job openings. Employers and municipalities alike have been offering employees incentives to go back to work. Amplified unemployment and if it’s have made it more profitable for some workers to collect unemployment than to go back to work.
