The latest #COVID19 response bill, which Senate Republicans released today, falls well short of what’s needed in multiple areas.
Here is a quick list of glaring gaps that must be addressed as negotiations continue:
Mar 21, 2020 • 20 tweets • 3 min read
Thread: Broad stimulus payments in #COVID19 response bill (some call them “Recovery Rebates”) need to *get to* people who don’t file tax returns — including many low-income people, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities — not just to tax filers. 1/
That means two things: 1. Policymakers need to make everyone up to some income limit eligible for the payments and... 2/
Mar 19, 2020 • 18 tweets • 4 min read
Senate Republicans are starting to release details about their proposal for a 3rd bill to address the #COVID19 pandemic & the sharp economic downturn that threatens. We are looking carefully at the information. But so far, we’re seeing some very troubling indications. 1/
While the proposal includes a number of provisions focused on businesses, which certainly are seeing sharp declines in demand, with many shutting entirely, the needs of workers & struggling families get short shrift.
Mar 18, 2020 • 17 tweets • 3 min read
As a result of the #COVID19 pandemic, a very sharp economic decline now seems virtually inevitable — unless policymakers act much more boldly than they’re talking about. Many economists think that the economy is already in recession & that it’s going to get much, much worse. 1/
Given the shock to the economy, an aggressive federal policy response that helps families pay the bills, fills gaps in state budgets, and shores up consumer demand, is essential. 2/
Feb 10, 2020 • 16 tweets • 3 min read
In the face of a bitterly divided country that needs healing, President Trump today threw gasoline on the fire by releasing a stunningly harsh budget that would tear us further apart. 1/
It would push tens of millions of less fortunate Americans into or deeper into poverty and cause widespread hardship even as it doubles down on tax cuts for the most well-off. 2/
Mar 11, 2019 • 8 tweets • 3 min read
We’ll have analysis of the fiscal 2020 #TrumpBudget throughout the day. Here’s what’s already clear: The budget presents a deeply troubling vision for the nation. 1/8
It sharply cuts funding in the part of the budget that invests in future economic growth through education and training, scientific research, infrastructure and the like. 2/8 #TrumpBudget
