For millions of desperate families, this is not nearly enough

I am a professional woman who, after having an almost six-figure job for many years, was laid off last month. I don’t think the average person fully grasps the failure of our government, and specifically Congress, to provide people assistance during this time. I am responsible with my money and have no debt. Yet the most I could get from unemployment was $275 a week, and that was after three weeks of waiting. In fact, lucky for me, I secured a new job before I even got my first unemployment deposit (I took a $25,000 pay cut). But I am not the norm.

The idea that the government expects people, families, to survive on a max of $275 a week is cruel. The fact that a majority of Congress expressed concern that people would stay home instead of going to work because of an extra $600 for COVID relief is demeaning. It’s laughable. I can’t even pay half of my rent with that. And forget about medical insurance; private insurance was quoted to me at $700 a month. I require a prescription that costs over $900 a month without insurance. Gas, groceries. $600 just doesn’t cut it.

I actually feel very lucky. I am not starving. I have a home and someone to share it with. But for a few weeks, I wondered how I would survive and if we would have to leave our home. How does the government expect people to survive, let alone put money back into the economy? How dare our elected officials throw their squabbles in our faces and not come up with real relief. It is not only disgusting, but unconscionable.

I did all the right things. I got two college degrees, I saved my money, I’m friendly to my neighbors and always willing to help. So who is going to help me and the countless others? Apparently no one.

Christina Jordan, Lake Worth