President Biden, told the House Democratic Caucus that he would be willing to compromise on who will be eligible for the next stimulus check. However, he remained firm on the size of the $1,400 check. This came during a call with House Democrats during their first meeting since Biden took office. One of the things that stood out to me was what Biden said.
“I am not going to start by breaking a promise to the American people,” the president told House Democrats.
This was his message to Democrats as they prepared to deliver the president's first legislative priority, his relief plan. A plan that so far lacks support from Republicans in congress. Currently centrist Democrats and GOP lawmakers are calling for stricter income limits on the stimulus checks. Biden was willing to compromise on that, but that alone. I can understand why lawmakers have dug their heels in on eligibility. It makes sense. But I must say it is good to see a president WILLING to work with congress to get important things done for the American people.
I'm totally fine with tailoring the checks to reach the people who need them the most. My only concern is when we only focus on how much money someone makes a year. $75,000/year in Ames, IA goes a heck of a lot further than $75,000/year in New York City. For starters - a 2BR apartment in Ames will cost a small fraction of what a Studio apartment costs in NYC.
This is why I personally think it's better to tailor the checks based off the average cost of living in an area instead of a flat amount across the board. I understand that will be more difficult to calculate, but I just have a hard time ignoring people who on paper appear to have a great life, but in reality are struggling just as much as people in the heartland.
JaredS Wrote:This is why I personally think it's better to tailor the checks based off the average cost of living in an area instead of a flat amount across the board. I understand that will be more difficult to calculate, but I just have a hard time ignoring people who on paper appear to have a great life, but in reality are struggling just as much as people in the heartland.