View Full Version : Stimulus package
Anyone want to talk about what's going on? I'm frustrated with the Reps for creating a partisan bill, then pushing a cloture vote they knew would fail, and then spending the next umpty ump hours accusing the Dems of callous obstruction for wanting a bill that gives more to real people than corporate "people". I'm frustrated with the Dems for seemingly having no counter proposal in place that might be vaguely acceptable to the Reps. IMO the whole debacle just highlights how our "representative" government is more interested in being right (and getting re-elected) than being reasonable.
Teacher Terry
3-23-20, 5:16pm
Kin, it’s pretty disgusting!
This is a crisis that the Democrats refuse to waste. Yesterday the bill in question was bipartisan but then Ron Paul joined 4 other Republicans in quarantine and all of a sudden the Republican majority was too slim to guarantee passage and the Speaker Of The House flew back into town and encouraged the Senate Minority leader to swing for the fences.
I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see even liberal media place blame on the Democrats, of course I knew that wouldn't carry over here but still enjoyed seeing MSNBC stop carrying Democratic water on at least one issue.
rosarugosa
3-23-20, 5:40pm
It makes me despair of them accomplishing anything. Our governor (Charlie Baker - R) spoke today announcing a statewide closure of non-essential businesses. He comes across as so calm and intelligent and actually seems to have facts and information at his disposal. Such a contrast with what we are seeing at the federal level.
This is a crisis that the Democrats refuse to waste. Yesterday the bill in question was bipartisan but then Ron Paul joined 4 other Republicans in quarantine and all of a sudden the Republican majority was too slim to guarantee passage and the Speaker Of The House flew back into town and encouraged the Senate Minority leader to swing for the fences.
I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see even liberal media place blame on the Democrats, of course I knew that wouldn't carry over here but still enjoyed seeing MSNBC stop carrying Democratic water on at least one issue. In what way is it a bipartisan bill when one side is kicked out of the room and the other side allowed to craft the bill, when we know the two sides weren't going to agree unless they both got a say? ETA: I know, each party crafts their own bill, it's not like the reps did anything heinous there. But maybe, maybe, FOR ONCE, both sides could put the needs of the people over a protocol that maintains business (or the absence thereof) as usual.
Is this really the time to be demanding more solar energy subsidies?
Is this really the time to be demanding more solar energy subsidies? No, it obviously isn't. I feel like the dems were being set up with this premature cloture vote, but I'm also I'm angry that the party decided on a tit-for-tat padding strategy that was clearly going to create more opportunity for grandstanding and footdragging. I really don't know what's wrong with ALL of them.
I had the impression from Schumer over the weekend that they were close, but then Pelosi rushed back into town with a new list of demands. It will be interesting to see who winds up getting most of the blame over this.
Yes. I'm fine with laying it equally on both sides, this is getting ridiculous.
Is this really the time to be demanding more solar energy subsidies?Or the following, which are reportedly now critical to meet Democrats demands
-Publication of corporate pay statistics by race and race statistics for all corporate boards-A bail out on all current debt at the Postal Service-Required early voting-Required same day voter registration -Provisions on official time for union collective bargaining-Full offset of airline emissions by 2025-Publication and reporting of greenhouse gas statistics for individual flights -Retirement plans for community newspaper employees-Federal $15 minimum wage-Permanent paid leave-Study on climate change mitigation efforts
mschrisgo2
3-23-20, 7:23pm
No, not essential, just thrown in there to make a point— lots of extraneous items at a time when the focus should be on the people, including seniors on fixed incomes.
Far as I'm concerned at 1.8 trillion they might as well hammer it out until there is some sort of mutual satisfaction. Both sides are playing politics and a few days are not going to matter in the big scheme of things. The more immediate issues I see are medical supplies, test kits, and ventilators. A lot of that is in Donald's court and he's not doing very well.
(And, hang them all).
They should only put in things relevant to the virus such as subsidies to businesses who let employees work from home and for transition to mail-in ballot systems. This will not be the last virus we face and the population is aging. Social distancing should be supported.
And yes hang them all.
ApatheticNoMore
3-23-20, 8:59pm
Mostly to bail out industries, some of which were going bankrupt anyway having nothing to do with corona virus (well fracking was and the financial sector was already in trouble). Then toss a small bribe to the little people, maybe 1/100th or less of what big businesses got, just in order to you know buy their vote, and hopefully they won't notice how many will die from Trump's mishandling. Wow they think our votes are cheap.
If we lived in a functional country:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/denmark-freezing-its-economy-should-us/608533/
Some people just need money now (not everyone does, but the unemployed do for sure). And in the longer run, there is not going to be much of an economy left. We will have to rebuild, businesses will have gone under (much of what made life in any locality interesting, favorite restaurants, used bookstores, mediation place - aka non-essentials), workers will have lost jobs, and I don't think there will ever be a full rebuilding since much of the country was falling apart ALREADY pre-corona, with infrastructure failing, tent cities full of homeless etc.. And the powers that be never cared about that, so why should they care about a multiple of that. But will stocks go up again? How should I know? :)
ANM, yeah. Let's use ordinary people's desperation as a bargaining chip in getting more for Big in the long run. charming as a dead squirrel in a gutter.
what pisses me off is the first corporation 'The Donald' needs to save is Boeing. Um, how is THAT the American People?
The entire thing is pissing me off. The people don't matter to any of them!
what pisses me off is the first corporation 'The Donald' needs to save is Boeing. Um, how is THAT the American People?
The entire thing is pissing me off. The people don't matter to any of them! And why on earth does he keep mentioning cruise lines? Most of them aren't even registered in the US, let alone essential to anyone.
mschrisgo2
3-23-20, 10:51pm
He must be planning to buy a cruise line..
Hang 'em all.
What would that accomplish, she asks drily.:devil:
And why on earth does he keep mentioning cruise lines? Most of them aren't even registered in the US, let alone essential to anyone.
Actually NONE of them are US companies. So NO they should not be getting bailouts from us. Let them get bailed out by the Bahamas or Liberia or whatever other country they have pledged allegiance to. Not to mention, cruise lines are NOT critical to our economy. The world would get along just fine without them.
Thank god the democrats have a bit of spine here. The last thing we need is a free for all giveaway of money to big corporations the way we did in 2008. Rogar is right. An extra day or two to make sure this is done halfway right is well worth the time spent.
ApatheticNoMore
3-24-20, 12:33am
He must be planning to buy a cruise line..
are there any cruise lines owned by russian oligarchs. hmm, actually there might be.
I’m hearing they’re getting closer to a deal this morning, achieving a delicate balance of the various necessary pandering and posturing.
I’m hearing they’re getting closer to a deal this morning, achieving a delicate balance of the various necessary pandering and posturing. I spent the morning half-listening to the goings-on on the senate floor. Worse than Oscar nite. It appeared that every one of the senators present felt a need to get up and hold forth. At this point, given the choice, I think I'd vote for any one of them that actually said, "you know this has all been said already, I decline my god given right to stand here and stall for another half hour."
I spent the morning half-listening to the goings-on on the senate floor. Worse than Oscar nite. It appeared that every one of the senators present felt a need to get up and hold forth. At this point, given the choice, I think I'd vote for any one of them that actually said, "you know this has all been said already, I decline my god given right to stand here and stall for another half hour."
Maybe they should all get together and sing “Imagine”.
Yes, that would help tremendously! Or maybe they could all go hang out in the "packed churches" with Trump on Easter Sunday.
I hear we got a deal early this morning. Not clear on the details. Assume the Democrats got at least some of what was in that 1400 page list Pelosi rushed back with. I’ve read funding for “Cats 2” is one possibility.
It doesn’t appear we will each be getting $$ from the Feds. A coworker is insisting we still are, but I’ve read multiple articles and no mention of it.
gimmethesimplelife
3-25-20, 10:56am
I'm breathing a sigh of relief. My hours have been cut way back but supposedly $1,200 will be soon entering my life and the lives of many in the 85006.
It's been a stressful time for me, what with elder care issues and work having done a 180 due to the virus and the Mexican border sealed, which very deeply stings. Doing the best I can and to put on a good face for the neighborhood. Rob
catherine
3-25-20, 10:56am
It doesn’t appear we will each be getting $$ from the Feds. A coworker is insisting we still are, but I’ve read multiple articles and no mention of it.
From MSN.com (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/white-house-senators-strike-deal-on-massive-stimulus-package/ar-BB11FGCk) today:
Direct Payments
For individuals the package provides direct payments to lower- and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult, as well as $500 for each child. Unemployment insurance would be extended to four months, the benefits would be bolstered by $600 weekly and eligibility would be expanded to cover more workers.
ApatheticNoMore
3-25-20, 11:01am
The legislation would include a one-time $1,200 check that would be sent to most adults making $75,000 or less annually (I can only assume this is some kind of complex adjusted gross income calculation?). A $500 payment would also be sent to cover every child in qualifying households. It now includes the majority of adults who are under the $75,000 threshold and phases the payment out as people’s incomes increase.
https://www.vox.com/2020/3/25/21192716/senate-deal-coronavirus-stimulus
Teacher Terry
3-25-20, 11:08am
Rob, I am surprised that you are working at all. Nevada is completely shutdown.
gimmethesimplelife
3-25-20, 11:23am
Rob, I am surprised that you are working at all. Nevada is completely shutdown.It's paperwork, deep cleaning of the facility, inventory issues - that kind of thing. My regular role is on hold until further notice. Rob
Teacher Terry
3-25-20, 11:48am
That makes sense. Glad you are getting some hours. I know you have been saving money also which is good. My kids landlord is willing to work with them which is great. She probably couldn’t rent it anyways given the situation.
From MSN.com (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/white-house-senators-strike-deal-on-massive-stimulus-package/ar-BB11FGCk) today:
Direct Payments
For individuals the package provides direct payments to lower- and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult, as well as $500 for each child. Unemployment insurance would be extended to four months, the benefits would be bolstered by $600 weekly and eligibility would be expanded to cover more workers.
Thank you!
My wife makes a practice of preparing meals and acquiring groceries and supplies for a few people of our acquaintance. It used to be just a few elderly people who had trouble getting around, but lately we’ve been delivering to a couple of families who lost food service jobs. They’re in a really tough spot at the moment. A lot of folks around here who would never think of accepting cash will take food from us. We’re hoping we can still do this without running foul of our State shutdown order.
Teacher Terry
3-25-20, 12:31pm
L, that’s really great!
catherine
3-25-20, 12:34pm
My wife makes a practice of preparing meals and acquiring groceries and supplies for a few people of our acquaintance. It used to be just a few elderly people who had trouble getting around, but lately we’ve been delivering to a couple of families who lost food service jobs. They’re in a really tough spot at the moment. A lot of folks around here who would never think of accepting cash will take food from us. We’re hoping we can still do this without running foul of our State shutdown order.
Thank you and your wife very much for doing this. My son is in the food service industry and was just about to embark on the busy season up here when everything shut, and now he won't even be able to pay rent past April. Thankfully, he has family support. He's living up here with us until this clears. At least we can feed him. But he still needs rent and cell phone. He doesn't even have a car, thankfully--that would be another expense.
Plus his restaurant just changed hands--a young couple with a 4 month old baby bought it just six weeks ago. Talk about bad timing. I pray for them as well.
Thanks again, Mrs. LDAHL!
Thanks again, Mrs. LDAHL!
She’s definitely a better person than I am. Everybody says so.
The legislation would include a one-time $1,200 check that would be sent to most adults making $75,000 or less annually (I can only assume this is some kind of complex adjusted gross income calculation?). A $500 payment would also be sent to cover every child in qualifying households. It now includes the majority of adults who are under the $75,000 threshold and phases the payment out as people’s incomes increase.
https://www.vox.com/2020/3/25/21192716/senate-deal-coronavirus-stimulus
if they go by 2018 income, I’m OK. 2019 won’t work, I took a little to much out of a IRA. I can make 2020 work. I’m probably not going to get much if any free money.
I’ve already sent in my 2019 taxes, I guess I could put back some of the IRA money and get under the limit. I usually don’t send in my taxes early, I always owe, but with moving my wife was wanting me to get it done.
As far as I can tell this hasn't passed yet? 12:05 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the agreement on the third Coronavirus supplemental. He then achieved unanimous consent that the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 748 occur “at a time to be determined today.”
So if I understand it right, they're going to agree on what time they will do a vote for cloture, and then have a vote for cloture which, if it passes, will allow them to continue considering the bill? This scenario doesn't even get to the point of having a vote for the actual bill, in fact it doesn't even get to the point of voting to consider it?
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have now agreed that at some point in the future we will agree to have a vote about whether or not we agree to proceed with considering whether to have a vote." :confused:
Some Republicans wanted to reword it since as written some people could make more collecting unemployment than working.
Some Republicans wanted to reword it since as written some people could make more collecting unemployment than working. Do you understand what's currently going on? Every time I tune into the live senate floor coverage there's just another senator standing up reiterating their own story to a mostly empty room, like they were at an unpopular 12-step meeting. Where is the actual negotiating happening, and between whom??
Some Republicans wanted to reword it since as written some people could make more collecting unemployment than working.
I think it was more a concern that as worded the legislation would incentivize people not to return to work when their workplaces are allowed to re-open.
Assuming everyone gets some sort of bonus check, I'm debating how greedy I will get. I'm pretty lucky to have fewer life complications than most and don't spend much what with the stay at home measures. A thousand or so dollars is not going to make any big difference in my life and I'm considering donations to the food banks or meals on wheels. Something I'm thinking about.
Assuming everyone gets some sort of bonus check, I'm debating how greedy I will get. I'm pretty lucky to have fewer life complications than most and don't spend much what with the stay at home measures. A thousand or so dollars is not going to make any big difference in my life and I'm considering donations to the food banks or meals on wheels. Something I'm thinking about.
I was thinking about that, too... the package is meant to offset losses incurred by individuals and businesses. I'm lucky in that my business is not impacted, so why not give my share to someone or something that's really hurting?
Teacher Terry
3-25-20, 7:43pm
No matter how much unemployment is if you get called back to work and don’t go you lose your unemployment.
No matter how much unemployment is if you get called back to work and don’t go you lose your unemployment.
Not according to the language in the bill, it allows you to 'self certify' that you quit your job because of Covid-19 and still receive benefits.
ApatheticNoMore
3-25-20, 8:15pm
Should people be incentivized to return to work? Not if it's going to kill people. We mostly need to trust the states and localities to do the right thing (as the Trump admin is incapable of doing the right thing), and keep people on lock down as long as necessary. Thing is some maybe won't and we'll see more deaths there.
iris lilies
3-25-20, 8:33pm
I was thinking about that, too... the package is meant to offset losses incurred by individuals and businesses. I'm lucky in that my business is not impacted, so why not give my share to someone or something that's really hurting?
two points
1) The government does not do a good job of figuring out who is really needy and taking appropriate action
2) Just give your check back to the US treasury, but you should include a handling fee of $37.28 (my guess) to deposit because I’m sure it cost something like that thru the bureaucracy
I like Roger’s idea so if we find ourselves with a check I may do that.Imagine, me determining where my own tax dollars go for charitable giving what a concept.
Our tax guy called today with the bad news that we owe a crarp ton of money, around $10,000. We have to give all of our ACA subsidies back. But that’s fine, we were expecting a big tax bill this year last; year was embarrassingly low.
gimmethesimplelife
3-25-20, 8:44pm
Not according to the language in the bill, it allows you to 'self certify' that you quit your job because of Covid-19 and still receive benefits.Don't drop dead of shock here, Alan.....I agree with rhe jist of your point. It's along the lines of people self certifying in Arizona that they have accute pain to get Arizona MMJ cards. The way the law was written this loophole exists and is indeed taken advantage of. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
3-25-20, 8:45pm
Don't drop dead of shock here, Alan.....I agree with rhe jist of your point. It's along the lines of people self certifying in Arizona that they have accute pain to get Arizona MMJ cards. The way the law was written this loophole exists and is indeed taken advantage of. RobShould be acute pain and the jist of your point above. Rob
I hear that in Italy you self-certify you are going to the grocery store and write out your own permission slip.
gimmethesimplelife
3-25-20, 9:03pm
I hear that in Italy you self-certify you are going to the grocery store and write out your own permission slip.This, at least to me, begs the question of how many of the young who still believe they are invicible take advantage of this and end out putting themselves and others in danger. Rob
Teacher Terry
3-25-20, 11:11pm
Catherine, you should keep the money to help any of your kids that aren’t employed.
I'm really interested to see how the stimulus bill plays out in real life. Per what I've read online, unemployment has been extended from 26 to 39 weeks, plus there will be an extra $600 a week for the first 4 months.
I just got laid off yesterday after 13.5 years at the same company, if you hadn't read that otherwise.
The $1200 will be welcome, too!
ApatheticNoMore
3-26-20, 12:11pm
At this point unemployment is a true UBI/BIG, no matter what they are calling it. At that amount, IT IS.
No, $1000 a month is not a UBI (I don't know why Yang was so hung up on such tiny numbers if he was going to give away money, go BIG with the B.I.G. or go home, though it still would have helped the destitute). You can't live off $1000 or off what unemployment usually pays, but this yes I believe one can. Of course as a UBI it's only 4 months of the increased payments, and things are collapsing around us. So there is that.
I took out $1000 a month to supplement unemployment when it paid the usual amount, and no I bought nothing except I continued to go to the gym and eat healthy, and you can't even go to the gym now.
1:30 pm EDT: It passed, despite Rep. Massie's request for quorum, because the house got its act together and got enough people back to provide a vote on the floor. Thank you to our congresspeople who made it back in time.
That extra money for PBS will make all the difference.
PBS is doing special programming in my area since the schools are shut down and not all students have internet access.
gimmethesimplelife
3-27-20, 8:29pm
I'm so glad it passed! As I've posted before, in my neighborhood, the airport is (or should I say was?) the biggest employer - you can begin to imagine the scope of job loss in my corner of the world. Lots of my neighbors desperately need that $1,200 plus unemployment soon coming. Thank You DC for getting your act together long enough to put this together and get it signed! Color me grateful. Rob
Teacher Terry
3-27-20, 10:06pm
Rob, our unemployment went up 187%. We are the highest in the nation so I feel your pain.
I'm really interested to see how the stimulus bill plays out in real life. Per what I've read online, unemployment has been extended from 26 to 39 weeks, plus there will be an extra $600 a week for the first 4 months.
I just got laid off yesterday after 13.5 years at the same company, if you hadn't read that otherwise.
The $1200 will be welcome, too!
Is that right? Extra $600 across the board?
About the $600, that's what I'm reading everywhere.
Teacher Terry
3-28-20, 11:06am
Yes that’s what I read too.
Teacher Terry
4-18-20, 10:23pm
Yppej, my son was reading that people that don’t qualify unemployment, haven’t had any earned income are eligible for a payment of 300/week for 4 months. The states have to set up their unemployment sites to do this. Thought you might want to look at it for your son.
Yppej, my son was reading that people that don’t qualify unemployment, haven’t had any earned income are eligible for a payment of 300/week for 4 months. The states have to set up their unemployment sites to do this. Thought you might want to look at it for your son.
First time I've heard of that! But I can tell you that for people that have traditionally been unable to get unemployment, such as the self-employed, the state websites can't process that stuff. Definitely have to do stuff from scratch for that. IL's won't be ready until possibly sometime in May.
I am sick for all the small businesses who didn't get the SBA loans. In good faith, they kept their employees on the payrolls with benefits. Oops, money ran out. Now they "get to close for good" as they are fully bankrupt! This includes medical practices. Great, just great!
Meanwhile, the 500 Billion for corporations is lining gold pockets. THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yppej, my son was reading that people that don’t qualify unemployment, haven’t had any earned income are eligible for a payment of 300/week for 4 months. The states have to set up their unemployment sites to do this. Thought you might want to look at it for your son.
TT I am looking for but not finding anything on this. Thank you though.
Teacher Terry
4-19-20, 11:00am
Y, send me a private message with your email and I will send it to you. It’s 2 pages.
happystuff
4-19-20, 12:10pm
Hi TT. Don't mean to butt in, but I know someone who may benefit from this as well. May I pm my email to you as well?
PBS is doing special programming in my area since the schools are shut down and not all students have internet access.
In my area, as well. WTTW, the big Chicago PBS station, is doing science, literature, and history programming for middle and high schoolers in the afternoon.
Teacher Terry
4-19-20, 12:48pm
Happy, I will share it with everyone that wants it:))
Teacher Terry
4-19-20, 1:53pm
I just sent it to both of you.
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