After months of negotiations, lawmakers in the United States have finally reached an agreement on a second stimulus check to provide economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second stimulus check will provide up to $600 per eligible individual, with an additional $600 per child. Eligibility is based on income, with individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 eligible for the full amount. Those earning above those thresholds may still receive a partial payment.
In addition to the stimulus checks, the agreement includes $300 per week in enhanced unemployment benefits for 11 weeks and provides funding for small business relief programs, rental assistance, and vaccine distribution efforts.
The agreement on the second stimulus check comes after months of back-and-forth between Democrats and Republicans, with disagreements over the amount of aid and how it should be distributed. Many individuals and businesses have been struggling financially as a result of lockdowns and shutdowns due to the pandemic, and the second stimulus check is intended to provide some much-needed relief.
While the stimulus check and other measures in the agreement have been widely welcomed, some critics argue that it is not enough. With many businesses still closed or operating at limited capacity and unemployment rates remaining high, some have called for more substantial aid packages.
Nevertheless, the agreement on the second stimulus check is a step forward in providing economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. The first stimulus check, which provided up to $1,200 per eligible individual, was distributed earlier this year, and the second round of payments is expected to be sent out in the coming weeks. For those who have been struggling financially during this difficult time, this aid will be a much-needed lifeline.