FACTS
President-elect Joe Biden revealed his $1.9 trillion Covid relief plan known as the “American Rescue Plan” on Thursday. The plan would include $1,400 checks to the vast majority of Americans, rental assistance, an eviction moratorium extension, small business grants, funding for expanded Covid testing, and $130 billion for schools. The plan also includes an agenda to increase the administration of the Covid vaccine to the 100 million mark by Biden’s 100th day as president.
RIGHT
The Right is critical of the “American Rescue Plan.” It is argued that increasing direct payment amount across the board is unnecessary and wasteful, as it will go to those who are unemployed, as well as those who have remained employed for the entire pandemic. It will also go to those who make less than $70,000 a year and households that potentially earn up to $300,000 a year.
“Since the mid-1970s, one-time cash payments to individuals to stimulate economic growth have been tried on at least five separate occasions…But history shows such spending does nothing to stimulate the economy. In the end, it only adds to the federal debt…”
John F. Cogan, Professor in the Public Policy Program at Stanford University, and John B. Taylor, Mary and Robert Raymond Professor of Economics at Stanford University,
Ed Morrissey of conservative blog Hot Air argued that the bill wouldn’t do much of anything to actually aid the economy, which is reeling from the shutdowns, and is simply a “Band-Aid for a few months.” “Dear Joe Biden and Democrats: The Best Stimulus Package: Open up the economy!!!” tweeted civil rights attorney Leo Terrell.
LEFT
The Left is generally supportive of the “American Rescue Plan.” Journalist Matthew Yglesias argued that despite the bill putting measures in place specifically for emergency relief purposes, “It really feels like it ought to be permanent policy.”
“When president-elect Biden was elected, he told the American people that ‘Help is on the way.’ With the Covid rescue package the president-elect announced today, he is moving swiftly to deliver that help and to meet the needs of the American people.”
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader
However, some on the Left were critical of what they believe to be Biden’s failure to follow through with his promise of $2,000 checks. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) stated, “$2,000 means $2,000. $2,000 does not mean $1,400.”
Love to begin negotiations by shifting further towards the other side’s preference before you even start talking. https://t.co/Aj5eg8C08z
— Katelyn Burns (@transscribe) January 14, 2021
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