In the U.S., a staggering 75% of workers were living paycheck to paycheck back in 2017, just scraping by. Many families managed to put food on the table, yet struggled with unexpected expenses, such as a $250 dental visit or a car repair. The 2019 Financial Security Index from Bankrate revealed that nearly 30% of Americans had zero savings, and 25% couldn’t cover even three months’ worth of living costs. This was already a significant issue prior to the pandemic.
Then came COVID-19.
As job losses mounted and the economy faltered, an alarming number of families have fallen into poverty. Research from Columbia University indicates that since May, 8 million more individuals have been pushed into poverty. Although the CARES Act initially lifted 18 million people above the poverty line in April, this relief was short-lived. By late summer, that figure had dwindled to around 4 million due to the expiration of the $600 weekly unemployment benefit.
While the CARES Act provided some assistance, many families, including mine, were overlooked. We haven’t received our stimulus check for a frustrating reason—my spouse, a taxpayer, has a notation on her social security card that labels her an immigrant, allowing the government to unfairly discriminate against us. In today’s America, not all families are treated equally. The increase in poverty disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities, particularly children.
Those who earned too little to file taxes were required to navigate the IRS portal to apply for their stimulus, adding yet another burden to their already overwhelming to-do lists.
As an op-ed in The Hill notes, “By conditioning this aid on employment status, the bill perversely ensures that ‘essential workers’… will receive little aid.” In New York City, it’s estimated that 24% of frontline workers live below the poverty line, with many being foreign-born or non-citizens, leaving them without any assistance.
Where is the leadership we need? The individual who claimed he would “make America Great Again” has not addressed the grim reality of millions living below the poverty line, which for a family of four stands at $26,200 in the continental U.S. How can anyone survive on that amount?
The mixed signals and erratic behavior of our leaders create confusion and uncertainty when the lives of over 40 million are at stake. A recent article in The New York Times highlighted the government’s struggle to manage the current economic crises, noting that the rise in poverty has occurred even amidst an improving job market. This indicates the economy is recovering too slowly to replace lost benefits.
We are dealing with a leadership that seems devoid of empathy. They are disconnected from the realities of hunger, the anxiety of hospital bills, and the struggles of putting just $5 worth of gas in a tank. The system lacks a coherent plan to restore the economy, and the CARES Act, which provided a one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, barely mitigates the financial strain when those funds run out. Where is the comprehensive support that families need right now?
According to The New York Times, the Democratic House has proposed multitrillion-dollar financial aid packages multiple times, only to face resistance from the Republican Senate, which favors smaller plans. The situation worsened when Trump abruptly halted stimulus negotiations, only to later suggest a “go big” approach. Such inconsistency shows a lack of genuine concern for those affected.
To add further insult, Congress has now adjourned until November 9th without passing any form of coronavirus relief. The CARES Act is merely a temporary fix to a much larger issue; it’s a Band-Aid that fails to address the deep financial wounds many families are experiencing. Meanwhile, the Trump administration languishes in indecision, allowing American families to suffer.
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- How to apply for financial aid during the pandemic?
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- GOP response to pandemic financial assistance.
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In summary, the financial struggles faced by American families during the pandemic highlight a critical need for substantial and sustained support. The current administration’s lack of action and empathy is evident, leaving many in dire situations without the aid they desperately need.
Keyphrase: American families financial aid pandemic
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