The federal government is spending $2 trillion to help individuals and entities hurt by the COVID-19 public health emergency. What's in the stimulus package and how could it help you?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides:
- Emergency assistance for American workers, families and businesses;
- Support for the U.S. health care system in the fight against coronavirus;
- Assistance for "severely distressed" sectors of the economy;
- Aid for state and local governments; and
- Other miscellaneous measures and funds to stabilize the economy.
Who qualifies for an individual stimulus check and how are funds distributed? Will these cash payments provide real relief for Americans facing unemployment, food insecurity and the threat of eviction?
What's in the spending bill to support small businesses? Will relief come in time and be enough to keep them from going under? How will big companies be held accountable for their use federal aid?
How could the relief package help hospitals and community health centers with coronavirus response efforts? What are the implications for local and state governments? What will it do for food banks, airlines and schools?
Does the spending bill go far enough to help those who are struggling in the wake of a global pandemic? What are the biggest challenges? What more could be done?
Guests:
- Howard Gleckman, senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center
- Abby Livingston, Washington bureau chief for the Texas Tribune
- Diego Mendoza-Moyers, staff writer for the San Antonio Express-News
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Thursday, April 16.
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