In late October, my partner, Sarah, was hospitalized under the impression that she had contracted COVID-19. Despite three negative tests, it turned out she was facing septic shock. The treatment she received mirrored that of COVID-19 patients, leading to three days in the ICU and an additional two and a half weeks in recovery. Now, as January rolls around, the medical bills are flooding in, each one amounting to several thousand dollars.
I feel immense gratitude for still having my job amid the layoffs that occurred in March and July. However, I can’t help but think of families who haven’t been as fortunate. Many have had loved ones hospitalized with COVID-19 and are now grappling with overwhelming medical expenses, paired with a mere $600 stimulus check. Others are dealing with the long-term effects of COVID complications and struggle to return to work.
When former President Donald Trump remarked that $600 was insufficient for American families, I found myself agreeing with him for once. While he advocated for $2000 checks, even that amount falls short. A survey conducted by GOBankingRates in late 2019 revealed that 69% of Americans had less than $1000 in savings before the pandemic began. Given that many families were already financially strained, the situation has only worsened 10 months into the crisis.
Currently, there are 10 million fewer jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels, and each job loss likely impacts a family’s ability to make ends meet. The RAND Corporation conducted a survey in May 2020, shortly after the CARES Act was implemented, revealing that struggling households resorted to borrowing from friends and family, selling possessions, or simply failing to cover their expenses. The survey also highlighted that middle-income families were relying on credit cards and loans to get by.
The CARES Act was impactful; researchers at Columbia University estimated that it prevented U.S. poverty from hitting 19.4% in April, keeping it at 13.9%. However, now, as 2021 begins, struggling families are left with half the stimulus funds they received previously and reduced unemployment benefits.
The stark reality is that American families were facing financial difficulties even before the pandemic, and the situation has dramatically deteriorated. With rising food insecurity and families resorting to selling belongings or taking on debt, the need for assistance is urgent. A $600 check is merely a small band-aid on a much larger issue.
Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope with the rollout of vaccines and the new Biden Administration. President Biden has indicated that the $600 checks are just a starting point. His proposed $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” allocates over $400 billion for combating the pandemic and $350 billion to support state and local budgets. It also promises $1,400 direct payments, enhanced unemployment benefits, and significant child care subsidies, as highlighted by The New York Times.
The plan proposes $400 weekly unemployment benefits, an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15, and 14 weeks of paid leave for parents affected by school closures. This plan could provide much-needed relief to families struggling to stay afloat.
In conclusion, American families are in dire need of financial support, and the government must act decisively. The reality is $600 is insufficient for those facing mounting bills due to the pandemic. We require immediate, substantial assistance to rebuild and recover.
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Summary:
American families were in financial distress before the pandemic, and the situation has worsened significantly, with many feeling the pinch from high medical bills and insufficient government assistance. The need for substantial and immediate financial support is critical as families continue to struggle with food insecurity and overwhelming debt. The new administration’s proposed relief plan offers some hope, but swift action is necessary to provide the help that families urgently require.
Keyphrase: American families financial struggles
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