Senate Democrats propose a $2,000 stimulus check

WASHINGTON (KYMA, KECY)-Three Democratic senators say the one-time $1,200 stimulus check was not enough to help Americans during the pandemic.

On Friday, Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ed Markley (D-Mass) released their plan called the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act. 

According to First Coast News, the Monthly Economic Support Act would provide a monthly $2,000 check to Americans who make less than $120,000. There would be an additional $2,000 per child, for up to three children, and married couples who file jointly would receive $4,000. 

Under the CARES Act, it provides a $1,200 stimulus check, unemployment benefits that provide an additional $600 weekly payment, and other programs helped taxpayers defer student loan payments or mortgage payments, or provide money for small businesses. 

Forbes says stimulus checks under the CARES Act cost over $250 billion.

• Stimulus Payment Amount - $1,200 (Individuals) or $2,400 (Married Couples) plus an additional $500 per child under the age of 16.
• Who is Eligible? - Taxpayers with a Social Security Number who can not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s tax return and who meet income eligibility requirements; Dependents under the age of 16.
• Income Eligibility - AGI of $75,000 or less (Individuals); AGI of $150,000 or less (Married couples). The stimulus payment amount is phased out for incomes between $75,000 - $99,000 (Individuals) and $150,000 - $198,000 (Married Couples).
• Estimated Number of Checks Sent Out - Over 150 million
• Estimated Cost of Program - Over $250 billion