The two trillion dollar coronavirus relief bill passed the U.S. House and was signed by President Trump Friday, and Delaware officials believe it will help the state.
This legislation is the third in a series of efforts to address the coronavirus pandemic. The first two dealt with mainly emergency preparedness and vaccines.
Delaware’s lone Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) says this third bill aims to keep the economy afloat.
"This bill is particularly important for all of our workers, for our small businesses, for the economy, and for our everyday families to put money back in their hands," said Blunt Rochester.
Gov. John Carney (D) agrees.
"In particular it will provide significant assistance for the unemployed and for small businesses who are not getting revenue now because they are closed down," said Carney. "Really, a very important piece of legislation which is geared for those who need it the most."
The legislation will send every adult making less than $75,000 a direct payment of $1,200, while couples filing jointly making less than $150,000 will make $2,400 plus $500 per child.
The bill also expands Unemployment Insurance for the next four months, by $600 per week
For all it includes, Blunt Rochester concedes it’s not a perfect bill.
"The SNAP program that provides food - while the amount of money was increased - we didn't work out the number of people eligible for it, and we know more people are going to be in need," said Blunt Rochester. "That's one of the areas we need to work on. When we look at issues of paid leave, there are folks that still need to be covered."
The package includes $377 billion in aid to small businesses so they can retain employees and pay for other expenses including rent, mortgage and utilities.
In total, Delaware receives at least $1.25 billion in the bill.
