According to al.com, the omicron variant’s huge wave of COVID cases has reignited interest in another round of relief checks for suffering Americans.
Since last year, organizations behind a huge Change.org petition have been pressing for $2,000 monthly compensation for adults and $1,000 for children. The petition, which was already one of the most popular on change.org, has now surpassed 3 million signatures, with a new objective of 4.5 million names.
Stephanie Bonin, a Denver restaurant owner, started the petition, claiming that the money was desperately required because the country was “deeply struggling.”
“The recovery hasn’t reached many Americans – the true unemployment rate for low-wage workers is estimated at over 20% and many people face large debts from last year for things like utilities, rent, and childcare,” Bonin wrote. “These are all reasons that checks need to be targeted to people who are still struggling and that Congress needs to learn from this past year. It took nine months for Congress to send a second stimulus check, and just moments to spend it. Moving forward Congress needs to make recurring checks automatic if certain triggers are met.”
Three earlier sets of direct stimulus checks were issued: $1,200 in March 2020, $600 in December 2020, and $1,400 in March 2021. The enhanced child tax credit offered up to $300 per month, although it was set to expire in December 2021.
However, Congress seems to have no interest in extending the payments, and President Biden’s stalled Build Back Better plan concentrates on infrastructure rather than direct stimulus.
To put it another way, the check isn’t in the mailbox. And, petitions notwithstanding, it is unlikely to be.