U.S. starving for more stimulus

With pandemic numbers rocketing and the economy sinking, Congress finds itself in a familiar spot. It can spend a mountain of money to ease the pain or it can pull back, worried about rising debt and unpredictable results.

Democrats and Republicans will renew the debate this week when lawmakers return for a short deadline session. They’ll face the unavoidable reality that the country is sinking by any measure. A stimulus bill stretching into the trillions could be the answer.

At the outset of the pandemic, Congress approved a $3 billion package. Then negotiations fell apart on a followup with the same price tag. Now it’s readying for a third try. There’s no ignoring the need as jobless aid applications rise, hospital ICUs fill up, and stores shutter to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

Several issues are getting the most focus. Unemployment payments of $600 per week are due to run out at the end of the month. They should be renewed, though the sum is up for negotiation. Democrats want a higher number, the better to let people stay home, care for family and not risk infection on the job. GOP leaders say the checks, small as they sound, encourage people to dodge looking for work. That’s nonsense, especially in the Bay Area.

There could be another crowdpleasing stimulus check such as the $1,200 amount sent out last spring. But Washington needs to build a genuine safety net under the country, not a single sum dropping in the mailbox.

Schools may be a friction point with Republicans ignoring the danger of infection and insisting on open classrooms in exchange for bailout money. Even if Washington’s financial role is small, it shouldn’t deny school districts the right to safeguard staff and students by cutting off funds.

Another sore point could be money for small businesses. In the first stimulus bill, the funds were intended to keep workers employed in small operations. But larger businesses took advantage, a loophole that should be eliminated.

There are other topics in flux. President Trump has been pushing for a break on the payroll tax workers contribute to Social Security. Local governments, crushed by budget bills and spiraling businesses, want help along with transportation agencies such as BART and Muni that have seen their ridership vaporize.

Just as significant as the features will be the politics. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco Democrat, is smarting over the failure of the second stimulus package she drew up and sent to the Senate, where it died. In that chamber, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican, is determined to draw up a GOPflavored package. Anyone watching should prepare for rhetorical overkill until serious talks begin.

The country doesn’t need a perfect bill. It needs compassion and leadership given a negligent White House and rampaging pandemic. It’s time to support more aid for a suffering nation.