Biden signs orders to expand food stamps, wages

WASHINGTON >> President Joe Biden signed two executive orders Friday to provide help to struggling families and boost wages for certain workers, turning once again to the power of the executive branch to advance his economic goals as the legislative chances for his broader stimulus package remain unclear.

Biden’s executive orders will attempt to increase the amount of money poor families get for food each month and provide additional meal money for students whose schools have been closed as a result of the virus. Biden will also direct the Treasury

Department to find ways to deliver stimulus checks to at least 8 million Americans who are eligible for money but have not yet received funds.

A second executive order will lay the groundwork for the federal government to require a $15-per-hour minimum wage for its employees and contract workers, while making it easier for federal workers to bargain collectively for better pay and benefits.

The moves are the latest attempt by Biden to try to quickly address the economic fallout from the virus using his executive authority. On Wednesday, his first day in office, Biden issued orders ex