Since 2000, the United States has faced three major events that have drastically altered the economy of the United States. In response, the knee-jerk reaction by politicians and other interested parties, i.e.: private corporations and their respective lobbyist groups, have pushed for aggressive economic stimulus packages to keep our economy afloat. The response from politicians is to, first, protect our economy by lowering interest rates and/or preparing corporate bailouts.

This action usually results in a slight boost in corporate bottom lines, and does little for the frontline (the People). This short-term tactic, used twice already, has only harmed us in the long run. With the condensed timeline of not one, but three major disasters on US soil over the past twenty years, these short term economic approaches do little to no long-term good. I mean, look at us now.

Here's the thing. These economic packages only benefit the few: those who have money, or can afford the economic downturn with adequate assets and reserves. Unfortunately for your average man, woman, and child who typically are more trustworthy of these tactics, unlike those who understand basic economics and have adequately prepared for this economic inevitability, they will not be able to weather this storm.

This petition is a call for our government to instead - (1a.) provide expedited and/or (1b.) increased tax refunds; and/or (2a.) increase the amount of and/or (2b.) widen the eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credits for ALL UNITED STATES CITIZENS.

Recognizably, the Tax Filing Date may/has been pushed until July 1, 2020, which is a good thing. This change only buys citizens time to acclimate and adequately prepare for tax filing, but it also gives the Government time to determine the most efficient and appropriate way to respond to this petition's request.

If you're willing to secure loans on the backs of your people, rather than bailout big business to protect a bottomline that naturally falls into the red, our ask is - if your going to borrow the money in our name, give it back to US. As representatives of the People, the Federal Government's money is technically our money; the Federal Government holds our savings account, in their name. We the People are asking for our money back.

In response: Ask the people to (1) open a savings account and save the money (putting it bank into our banks; they are borrowing from us anyway), or (2) spend wisely when they need it. (3) Pay down high interest debts (yes, to the creditors loss, but it will come back). (4) Consolidate mortgages and educational loans while interest rates are low. And more. The money WILL fall back into the economy naturally. We live in a capitalist system, there is NO OTHER CHOICE.

In light of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent State-by-State "stay-in-place" order(s), rather than save BIG BUSINESSES, give back to the CITIZENS UNDER THE CARE OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The money will come back...

In rents (hopefully lowered, which will stabilize the rental market). In mortgages (keeps our mortgage bonds afloat). In grocery purchases. In retail purchases. In gas purchases. In pharmaceutical purchases. And more. This money will flow back to the businesses, their workers, the worker's families, then back into the very economy that protects them. 

Is this a shock to our system? Yes. But this is a healthy shock. The remainder of 2020 will be a testament to how strong we can be with our Government's support - YOUR SUPPORT MR. PRESIDENT. 

Mr. President,

Please consider giving the PEOPLE back their money, and it will return to BIG BUSINESS naturally.

This is an opportunity for our Government to support its people as the World, the environment, and the economy resets.

Thank you.

Jonathan R. Farrell, CSU Dominguez Hills MSW Candidate '20;

ArtCenter BFA '11;

University of California, Riverside BA Economics/Administrative Studies '02