Senate GOP Unveil New Stimulus - Cut $600 a Week Subsidy to $200

Senate GOP Unveil New Stimulus - Cut $600 a Week Subsidy to $200

The United States Senate Republicans unveiled a $1 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Monday night.

This week, the $600 a week federal unemployment subsidy expires, and the Republican plan to cut the unemployment supplement to $200 a week through September in the new proposed stimulus package.

After September, the payment will then combine with state benefits to replace 70% of previous wages.

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Democrats have proposed continuing the $600 payment through January which costs the federal government about $15 billion a week.

Many small businesses have reported that workers are turning down coming to work because they are paid more by the combination of state and federal benefits than what they earned.

Congressman Jim Langevin issued a statement Monday night criticizing the Senate bill.

“It is deeply discouraging that Senator McConnell’s proposal slashes unemployment benefits for 30 million Americans struggling to make ends meet. Under this proposal, roughly 100,000 Rhode Islanders would see their weekly incomes drop significantly just as bills come due. The decision by Republicans to propose reductions in this critical aid is a disservice to those who are frantically wondering how they will put food on the table and a roof over their heads," said Langevin.

“The American people need bold action from Congress to overcome this challenge. This is not a time to delay or play politics – Americans desperately need help, and it is our duty to deliver for them,” he added.

This story was first published 7/27/20 10:33 PM