In late October, my partner was hospitalized, initially suspected of having COVID-19. Despite three negative tests, the diagnosis turned out to be septic shock. Her experience, which included extensive testing, three days in the ICU, and two and a half weeks in recovery, mirrored the treatment protocols used for COVID patients. Now, in January, as she is out of the hospital, the medical bills are pouring in, each one totaling thousands of dollars.
Every time a new bill arrives, I feel fortunate to have kept my job amidst layoffs in March and again in July. Yet, I can’t help but think of the families less fortunate than mine—those who have faced COVID-19 head-on and are now grappling with exorbitant medical expenses and a mere $600 stimulus check. Many are dealing with ongoing COVID complications that hinder them from returning to work.
When former President Donald Trump remarked that $600 wasn’t sufficient for American families, I found myself agreeing with him—for once. While he advocated for $2000 checks, even that amount seems inadequate. A GOBankingRates survey from late 2019 revealed that 69% of Americans had less than $1000 in savings, a figure that climbed from 58% the previous year. To put it simply, families were financially strained before the pandemic, and ten months later, the situation is dire.
According to CNN Business, there are currently 10 million fewer jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels, each lost position representing a struggling family. Without stimulus support, these families are confronted with tough choices to meet their financial obligations.
To illustrate the severity of the situation, a RAND Corporation survey conducted in May 2020 sought to examine how Americans were coping financially due to COVID-19. The findings revealed that low-income families often resorted to borrowing from friends and relatives or selling their belongings, while middle-income households typically turned to credit cards and loans, hoping to manage their debts over time.
The impact of the CARES Act was significant—researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy estimated that without this federal intervention, U.S. poverty could have surged to 19.4% in April. Instead, it peaked at 13.9%, preventing nearly 18 million people from falling into poverty. This demonstrates the potential of a robust stimulus plan to provide essential short-term relief.
Fast forward to January 2021, and American families find themselves with just half of the stimulus aid they received earlier in the pandemic, along with reduced unemployment benefits. Families were already struggling before any federal aid, and now they face increased hardship—$600 is simply not enough to make a meaningful difference. The federal government’s response has been painfully slow.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope with the vaccine rollout and the Biden Administration taking office. President Biden has indicated that the $600 stimulus checks are merely a starting point. He has proposed a $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan,” with significant funding allocated to combat the pandemic, support local governments, and, importantly, provide financial relief to struggling families. The New York Times reports that this plan includes $1,400 direct payments to individuals, enhanced unemployment benefits, paid leave for workers, and subsidies for childcare costs.
In addition to the direct payments, the proposal outlines a plan for $400 weekly unemployment benefits, an increase in federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, and expanded child tax credits for families earning under $125,000 per year, which could provide up to $4,000 for one child under 13 and $8,000 for two or more.
With Democrats holding the majority in both the House and Senate, there is hope for swifter action on this much-needed aid. American families are facing unprecedented challenges—food insecurity is rising, and many are resorting to selling possessions or borrowing money just to get by. They need substantial help now, not just a meager $600 check.
For more insights into navigating family challenges and related topics, check out our other blog posts, such as this informative piece on home insemination kits. Additionally, resources like Make a Mom provide valuable information on this subject, and Wikipedia is an excellent resource for understanding the intricacies of pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, American families are enduring significant financial strain exacerbated by the pandemic. With rising poverty and food insecurity, the calls for assistance are urgent. The proposed stimulus measures could provide much-needed relief, but immediate action is imperative to support those in need effectively.
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