New stimulus package includes hazard pay, rent/mortgage assistance and additional $1200 check

A new COVID-19 stimulus bill was proposed by House Democrats on Tuesday. The new bill would include more stimulus payments, help with utility and mortgage payments, and $1 trillion for state and local governments.

The “Heroes Act” totals $3 trillion. This round of checks would include $1200 per family member, up to $6000, along with $175 billion available to go towards rent/mortgage and utility assistance for those affected by the virus.

The bill will likely pass the Democrat-led House, but the Senate will be a much harder victory. Senate Republicans have already pushed back against funding for state and local governments. Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) does not view the bill as realistic, but more so “aspirational”.

The proposed bill also includes:
–$200 billion in hazard pay for essential workers at high-risk during the pandemic
-An extension through January 2021 of the additional $600 unemployment payment (which is currently set to end in July)
–$75 billion for coronavirus testing and contact tracing
-Subsidies and special Affordable Healthcare Enrollment opportunities for those who lost employer-covered health insurance during this time
-COBRA subsidies to workers who lost health insurance due to being laid off
-Increase money to the SNAP program by 15%
–$10 billion in emergency disaster assistance grants and an employee retention tax credit
-Money for election safety and provision to make mail-in voting easier
-Relief for the US Postal Service

A vote is expected to happen Friday.