Congress reaches agreement on COVID-19 stimulus package. Here’s what it means for you

Congressional leaders and the White House reached agreement on a $2 trillion stimulus package that would mean checks to families across America.

News 12 Staff

Mar 25, 2020, 11:28 PM

Updated 1,485 days ago

Share:

Congress reaches agreement on COVID-19 stimulus package. Here’s what it means for you
Congressional leaders and the White House reached agreement on a $2 trillion stimulus package that would mean checks to families across America. But last-minute objections from four Republican senators are once again delaying a final vote.
News 12's Walt Kane has been In Your Corner, tracking the stimulus deal and what it means to you.
According to the draft legislation, families will get money directly from the government: $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples, $500 per child, up to two. The payments start decreasing at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $150,000 for couples. They disappear at $100,000 for individuals, $200,000 for couples.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D - New York) says Democrats had wanted larger checks, but says the proposal is a win.
"This is the art of compromise," Schumer says. "This is the art of coming together. America needed huge help quickly and I think we’ve risen to that occasion."
The stimulus would also include help for small business owners, including low-interest loans that would be forgiven if they keep workers employed.
People out of work would get an extra month of unemployment benefits, which would be increased by up to $600 per week, enough for most workers to replace their full salaries. It would also cover some people who are normally excluded.
Photos: The Impact of Coronavirus Around the World
undefined

"In this bill, we allow self-employed people, gig workers, who don’t traditionally benefit from Unemployment Insurance to also apply if they’re in effect they’re out of work and they can’t do what they did before," says Rep. Tom Malinowski (D - New Jersey).
However, those enhanced unemployment benefits, which Democrats consider a key part of the deal, became a sticking point late Wednesday. Four Republican senators argued they could create an incentive for laid-off workers to choose not to return to work. The bill could obviously pass without those votes, but it appears to be delaying what earlier appeared to be a done deal.


More from News 12
1:49
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

2:26
Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

1:55
8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

2:27
2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

0:25
Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

1:34
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

2:00
Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

0:49
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

0:13
Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

0:23
West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

0:25
Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex