Current Events > Senate Democrats pump brakes on new stimulus checks

(+) Yeah! (+)

Bullet_Wing posted...

It's really not though. Unemployment is still at historically high levels

...? Ok, but the economy is still more or less open. That was kind of a non sequitur.

ThunderTrain posted...

The plan from the start should have been a check every 2 weeks for a few months.

This, but instead of an expiration date, tie it to objective economic measures (like the unemployment and labor force participation rates). It should have been set in motion and then kept away from Congress, which is bound to fuck it up with political games every time a vote is required.

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Bullet_Wing posted...

Not really. Concerts and sporting events are canceled. Restaurants and bars have limited capacity. The travel industry is fucked. Just because we declared a reopening does not mean that we're open.

It seems like you're trying really hard to disagree with me and yet you haven't negated anything I've said. It's a very bizarre course to take.

Annihilated posted...

They wanted to get the money out quickly for round one. Now that the economy is more or less open, I should expect them to take their time and come out with a plan that's actually good.

The economy being open (i.e. the gradual lifting of some restrictions) doesnt instantaneously save all the households and businesses that are in dire financial straits. Call it open if you want, but people arent rushing out to spend money, restaurants are operating at 50% capacity at best, and unemployment is well into the double-digits. Until the economy stops contracting and unemployment falls, people need the money.

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Bullet_Wing posted...

How is the economy more or less open if all these restrictions are up and places are closed? Not trying to gotcha or anything, I just don't understand where you are coming from

Because two months ago everything but essential businesses was closed shut. No one was making money so we needed a quick boost. I didn't say it was back to normal already, otherwise why would congress need to pass a bill in the first place? I just said now that people are working that buys them a little more time to pass a better one.