Senator Debbie Stabenow on Congress’ Response to Economic Impacts of COVID-19
Will expansion to unemployment benefits and direct checks be enough to get American’s through the Coronavirus pandemic?
Congress recently passed an unprecedented stimulus package to meet the moment of an equally extraordinary pandemic.
“It’s really important that we get these going and get the help in people’s hands, but I know we will have to continue to do more.” — Sen. Debbie Stabenow
The coronavirus relief package provided assistance to American workers, expanded unemployment insurance coverage and enhanced support to small businesses.
Listen: Senator Stabenow on Congress’ move to protect workers and small businesses amid Coronavirus pandemic.
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Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, says Congress’ stimulus package was a good start but that the American people may need more to get through protracted stay home orders.
“I think the way this is going we will need more,” Stabenow says. “It’s really important that we get these going and get the help in people’s hands, but I know we will have to continue to do more.”
Stabenow says she is hopeful that new loan forgiveness measures for small businesses will help keep workers on the payroll and keep money in peoples’ pockets.
The expansion to unemployment benefits is also something the Senator sees as necessary for Americans ordered to stay home.
“How do folks get through [this] in terms of income? If you’re told to stay home for 14 days, that’s a big deal, if you’re a small business that’s a big deal. That’s where unemployment expansion and $1200 comes in.”
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