Voices of Texas County
Second round of economic stimulus
GUYMON – After months of back-andforth discussions in Congress, the president signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package into law on Dec. 27, 2020. The package’s provisions include “another round of direct payments, enhanced unemployment benefits, education funding and aid to sectors still reeling from the economic fallout of the pandemic,” according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website. Included in the package are $600 direct
payments to eligible Americans. Because the initiative to increase the stimulus amount from $600 to $2,000 failed, eligible Americans will receive half the amount of stimulus money compared to the $1,200 checks distributed in the spring of 2020. Many have expressed concern over the lower amount; others, however, are skeptical of increased amounts of government stimulus. We asked the people of Texas County via Facebook to share their opinions on the matter and whether they believed the American people should have received $2,000 stimulus checks.
Several of our readers believe that the eligibility requirements for the stimulus payments should have been more strict. Currently, individuals who make up to $75,000 per year are eligible for $600, couples making up to $150,000 are eligible for $1,200 and dependent children under age 17 are eligible for an additional $600. Charles Kerbo believes that individuals should receive stimulus money “only if they’ve lost [money] because of [coronavirus],” adding, “That’s what it was meant for.” Rudy Garcia agreed, saying, “The only citizens that should be getting anything are those that lost jobs and/or wages due to the pandemic.” Earlene Schaefer commented, “I don’t need it. I’d rather it go to someone who does, or not be given at all. Let’s quit spending money we don’t have.”
Others expressed that they believe the American people deserve $2,000 payments. Marciana Corichi commented, “I think American citizens deserve American tax payers’ money before other countries do.” This comment may be in reference to the relief bill’s inclusion of billions of dollars in foreign aid to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Colombia, Pakistan and Ukraine, among others. In addition, Lyn Parker said, “[U.S. citizens] should be getting what has been proposed for foreign aid. A slap in the face is what American citizens are getting.” Zoey Jay Sparks added, “Yes... We needed a lot more help [than] what we got.”
Some, like Anita Reed, are skeptical that the government will call on the American people to repay the stimulus money in the future. Reed commented, “That money will be collected back in the future. Expect to be taxed to the breaking point because of all the ‘free’ stuff from a government that has no income except to tax working Americans.”
What are your thoughts on the second stimulus package? Visit The Guymon Daily Herald Facebook page to join the discussion.