A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers
A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers
Policy Update:

Lawmakers Propose Slimmer COVID-19 Stimulus Package

U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Earlier today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers laid out a new COVID-19 relief package estimated to cost $908 billion in an effort to resume stalled stimulus negotiations prior to the close of the year. Many details remain unknown, including finer specifics on individual line items and distribution methods. Here is what is known so far:

  • $288 billion in small business aid (including a new round of Paycheck Protection Program loans)
  • $160 billion in state and local government relief (no additional details on distribution)
  • $300 per week of federal supplemental unemployment benefits to run through March (total cost of $180 billion)
  • $16 billion for vaccine distribution, testing and contract tracing
  • $82 billion for education
  • $45 billion for transportation (airlines, Amtrak, airports, busses and transit)
  • $25 billion for housing and rental assistance
  • $26 billion for agriculture and nutrition
  • $10 billion for childcare 
  • $10 billion for broadband
  • A temporary moratorium on COVID-19 related lawsuits with the purpose of allowing states to set up their own response

The announcement comes less than two weeks before the December 11 funding deadline by which Congress must pass a continuing resolution on FY2021 appropriations in order to avert a federal government shutdown. Whether this proposal can break the logjam is not immediately clear. We will continue to keep you posted on any COVID-19 stimulus details if and as they unfold. 

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