Just in time for the holidays, Congressional leaders over the weekend came to an agreement on a second round of economic stimulus relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While not nearly as large as the first round of relief approved in March, the $900 billion package contains a number of funded programs to aid industry and individual Americans.
Here is a breakdown of what the agreement includes:
$166 billion in direct checks
Individuals making up to $75,000 a year will receive a payment of $600, while couples making up to $150,000 will receive $1,200, in addition to $600 per child. The deal also makes the stimulus checks more accessible to immigrant families.
$120 billion in extra unemployment help
Jobless workers will get an extra $300 per week in federal cash through March 14. The legislation also extends employment benefits to self-employed individuals, gig workers and those who’ve exhausted their state benefits.
$325 billion small business boost
Pandemic-ravaged small businesses would see a total of $325 billion, including $284 billion in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, $20 billion for businesses in low-income communities and $15 billion for struggling live venues, movie theaters and museums.
$45 billion in transportation assistance
This includes $15 billion to help airlines maintain their payrolls, $14 billion for mass transit, $10 billion for state highways, $2 billion for airports and $1 billion for Amtrak.
$69 billion for vaccines, testing and tracing
The package includes $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines, nearly $9 billion for vaccine distribution and about $22 billion to help states with testing, tracing and Covid-19 mitigation programs.
$25 billion for rental assistance and an eviction ban
Of the $25 billion in federal rental assistance, $800 million is set aside for Native American housing entities. A federal eviction ban has been extended through the end of January.
Tax Breaks
The legislation allows businesses to deduct expenses associated with their forgiven PPP loans, in addition to expanding the employee retention credit intended to prevent layoffs. It includes a two-year tax break for business meals, and rolls over a variety of temporary tax breaks known as “extenders,” some for multiple years. The package also extends a payroll tax subsidy for employers offering workers paid sick leave and boosts the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Other issues that had been a part of the negotiations in the lead-up to this compromise, including state and local government funding, liability protection for employers, and student loan relief, were not included as a part of the compromise. Those issues may yet be addressed in future legislation after the new year when the new Biden administration takes office on January 20.
We will continue to provide updates as more details become available.