San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SEND OUT ANOTHER $1,200 STIMULUS CHECK?
San Diego Institute for Economic Research
London Moeder Advisors
NO
The federal government already spent an astounding $4 trillion of nonexistent money largely for the CARES Act. Never has so much debt accumulated in so short of time. The Act miserably failed to get stimulus checks to many most in need, distributed money to large corporations instead of floundering small businesses, and expanded unemployment benefits so much many make more being unemployed. Instead of incompetently distributing another round of fabricated money, let businesses reopen and get America back to work.
YES
I am not going to quibble details as to who gets it and why, and that is certainly important. But we are settled in a recession that is likely to remain deep for an extended period of time. Businesses are shuttering, others are changing their operating platforms, and all while we are waiting for a COVID vaccine. Certainly one important purpose of government is to step up to help its citizens at a time of need. To do nothing is morally repugnant.
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Weave Growth
YES
Should a second stimulus be issued, only those whose income continues to be hampered as a direct result of the pandemic should benefit. This includes people who have lost jobs and are still unemployed, who cannot work due to contracting the virus or who are low-tomoderateincome with dependent children and increased household or childcare expense given school closures. Providing the stimulus like the first round is not prudent federal spending.
YES
Money put directly into the hands of those hardest hit by the economic crisis is broadly considered to be the best way to alleviate the problem and stimulate the economy. Low-income households need the money for eminent expenses (rent, food ...) so they spend it immediately. Stimulus mechanisms (tax relief, etc.) that benefit wealthy or corporate entities tend to be saved or deployed to protect their position. Notice the disconnect between the stock market performance and unemployment.