New Stimulus Checks for Americans

Following President Trump’s signing of the $900 billion relief bill at the end of 2020, the second round of stimulus checks are being sent out. Households would receive $600 for each adult and $600 for each dependent, instead of $1,200 and $500 that was sent out near the beginning of the pandemic.

Even though there is less relief money in the second round of checks, more people are eligible to receive the money, the IRS stated. Groups that will receive money in the second round include "mixed-status" immigrant families and children under seventeen years old will also receive the same amount as adults.

However there are some people that are not eligible for the relief money including child dependents who are seventeen years old and adults who are claimed as dependents. Also single people earning about $90,000 and more will not receive the checks.

“ Getting a check would be helpful right now, but I can’t really do anything about it,” stated Ruari Maloney, a senior at GHS and just turned 18, in regard to the distribution of stimulus money by the U.S. government.

“I don’t believe that $600 is enough for the average American to sustain themselves, especially since the first check was $1200 per person and half of that for each child, which was months ago,” responded Maloney when asked about the amount of money the checks are for.

He added to his response, saying “Receiving anything at this point would be pretty good”.

Maloney’s worries and thoughts about these government provided checks are shared by others across the country as the pandemic continues into the new year and people are struggling financially due to loss of jobs.

“ I think that stimulus checks should have more money, but they should go to the people who are actually struggling instead of just everybody,” stated Steven Wheel, a Greenfield resident. “I have heard and know of people using the money to buy dumb things like game consoles, instead of using the money for things like rent and food.”

The use of stimulus money for recreational activities rather than actual needs has led some to think that the government should not be giving people money at all, struggling or not, because people are just going to be irresponsible with it.

These beliefs about the stimulus checks have been voiced by many people throughout the country as frustration and debate surrounding relief money has been present since the beginning of the pandemic. This will likely continue as another potential relief package has been proposed for later in the year, which includes a third check amounting to $2000.