Shortly after “Working Together” launched back in the spring, we dedicated a full week (April 20 – 24) of blog posts centered on the first round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) provided to Americans through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. During the months of May and June there were at least a half dozen additional posts to address updates and ongoing questions with regard to EIPs.
As talks in Congress have stalled, it remains unclear as to whether or not their will be a second round of stimulus payments in 2020. Currently both the HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act, which has been passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate’s proposed HEALS (Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools) Act call for the same $1,200 payments to Americans earning less that $75,000 per year ($150,000 for joint tax filers) that were included as part of the CARES Act. The principle difference between the two bills at present is the amount of stimulus money that will be provided to adults with eligible dependents ($1,200 per child for the HEROES Act, up to three children; and $500 per child in the with no limit on the number eligible dependents as defined by the HEALS Act).
Hopefully, negotiations will resume, and the House and Senate will agree on a deal that provides much needed relief to tens of millions of American households. This blog will continue to update the progress toward a second round of payments as well as provide comprehensive information and answer questions about how individuals and families can ensure they receive new stimulus checks as quickly as possible, should congress enact a new round of EIPs.
In the meantime, there are still many emergency services available to Minnesotans that address critical issues during this pandemic such as economic assistance, childcare, healthcare, housing, and food support. For more information on how to access these services, please visit the State of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response website. And, If you are a resident of Ramsey or Washington county and need immediate help with your rent, mortgage and utilities, please access Community Action’s COVID-19 Relief & Crisis Assistance webpage. And, for additional COVID-19 services—including food support, healthcare needs, resources for children and seniors, unemployment insurance, and other financial assistance, visit our Community Resources Page.
