Contributor
The economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic introduced a myriad of negative impacts on individuals, families, businesses and communities. Certain sectors were hit especially hard, but the woes of record high unemployment and business closures rippled through our economy, leaving behind widespread of financial uncertainty.
To mitigate these effects felt throughout the nation, Congress passed the first stimulus package in the spring, including direct payments to citizens. Despite debate over the amount, the House & Senate will be voting on another package early in 2021. As 2020 came to a close, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) took to the Senate floor supporting the proposed increase from $600 to $2,000 emergency relief checks for citizens. As the next Congress inevitably confronts another crisis—climate change—cash payments in the form of dividends may play a key role in another bipartisan effort.