Hello everyone
I don't know if you have been watching the news (frankly it's been a little depressing and scary, in my opinion). But there are two things I have been following closely, because they directly related to all of us and the movement we've created here.
Around 1:30 am today, Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Chuck Schumer announced a bipartisan breakthrough on a stimulus package for the American economy. Among many key points, the following was included:
- "The plan will rush financial assistance to Americans with direct checks to households in the middle class and in lower income levels, McConnell said. Previously, Republicans said this would amount to $1,200 to most American adults, among other payments." -NPR
- "An extended unemployment insurance program that will extend benefits to laid-off workers that will allow for four months of full pay rather than the usual three months for most. It will also raise the maximum unemployment insurance benefit by $600. It will apply to traditional workers for small and large businesses as well as those who are self-employed and workers in the gig economy. This was a key Democratic initiative, which Schumer dubbed 'unemployment insurance on steroids.'"- NPR
- "$350 billion for small businesses impacted by the pandemic in the form of loans and some of those loans could be forgiven." -NPR
What does this means for us? VICTORY!! Once this bill passes (which it is expected to pass in both the House and Senate), we WILL BE INCLUDED in eligibility for unemployment benefits that are $600 ABOVE each of our State's unemployment maximums per week. (more on this in a minute)
I am going to be closely watching what happens throughout the day with this bill. Speaker Pelosi is expecting to fast track this through the House, to keep the lawmakers from having to return to Washington. This is an exciting day!
If this bill goes as planned, however, it will basically mean that each state will have to agree to adopt the unemployment extension. This is why our fight isn't over yet- upon passing, we will all need to turn our attention to each individual state to ask our State Legislators and Governors to adopt the extended unemployment options.
I will be posting an update tomorrow with more news-stayed tuned! And pat yourselves on the back, as we definitely made an impression on our lawmakers with our unified voice!