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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act ([link removed]) , which was signed into law last week, includes both important provisions to help the sharp economic decline already unfolding.
But policymakers’ efforts should not end with this bill.
They will need to do substantially more in subsequent bills to address urgent needs in areas like health coverage, food assistance for struggling families, and state fiscal relief.
The law includes ([link removed]) :
* A sizable expansion of unemployment benefits
* Significant direct payments to low- and middle-income families of $1,200 for most adults and $500 for children under 17.
* A $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund to help address the large budget holes emerging in states and localities.
* Increased resources for programs that can help respond to the current crisis, including new investments in programs to serve people experiencing homelessness and to prevent people from losing their housing
However, the law has important shortcomings ([link removed]) :
* It lacks any provisions to expand health coverage to pay for coronavirus related treatment for those without health insurance
* It lacks a SNAP increase, which is needed to help families afford food while the economy remains weak
* It lacks an emergency fund modeled after the successful TANF Emergency Fund in place during the Great Recession
* It lacks provisions to broaden certain of its economic-relief provisions if economic conditions warrant.
Congress should turn its attention to putting together legislation to address these gaps and put in place policies that will remain in effect until an economic recovery takes hold.
Read the Report ([link removed])
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** Additional Resources
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› We’ve rounded up ([link removed]) all of our Coronavirus materials in one place.
› Some policymakers are calling for weaker Medicaid protections ([link removed]) during a public health crisis. Congress should reject these.
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Contact: Caroline Anderson-Gray (mailto:
[email protected]?subject=CBPP%20Email%20Response) , 202-408-1080, Director of Digital Strategy
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