WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The longer the COVID-19 pandemic goes, more families are going to need more help. U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan (Ohio-13) and Ro Khanna (Calif.-17) are now proposing Americans receive a $2,000 check every month.
It's called the Emergency Money For the People Act.
Here's how it would work: Eligible Americans would receive $2,000 per month for at least six months. And it would continue until national employment levels return to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Who's eligible for the Emergency Money For the People Act?
All single Americans older than 16 earning less than $130,000 a year get a monthly $2,000 check.
Married Americans who make less than $260,000 a year would receive a monthly $4,000 check, plus $500 per child, capped off at three children.
The money would not be considered income and would not be taxed.
How does it compare to the CARES Act?
Compared to the CARES Act, this proposal includes more Americans.
Unlike the first round of checks, eligible college students and adults with disabilities still get a check even if claimed as dependents. And even folks who had no earnings, were unemployed, or currently unemployed would be eligible.
How will people get the money?
The legislation would make it easier for folks to get that money, including expanded methods of payment like direct deposit, paper checks or apps like Venmo, Zelle or PayPal.
Right now the proposal has 17 Democratic sponsors, but no Republicans yet.
Negotiations on the next round of assistance already underway and no final decisions have been made.
More on the IRS stimulus checks
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
Get complete coverage of the coronavirus by texting 'FACTS' to 713-526-1111.
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