Aside from the stimulus checks that arrived last spring, expanded child tax credit payments that are expected to hit eligible families' bank accounts for at least another few months, and a modest increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit, it seems that the federal government is easing away from stimulus programs for the time being.
The goal is that the economy will improve at a fast enough rate to bring all Americans out of poverty.
Meanwhile, some states have started - or are about to start - their own stimulus programs. More information on which states have spent or pledged to spend more in direct payments may be found below.
Florida
Florida was able to provide $1,000 payments to educators, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, and firemen because of the American Rescue Plan. The cash will be used to reward individuals who are fighting the epidemic on the front lines in a state that has been particularly severely struck.
Colorado
Any Colorado citizen earning less than $52,000 who received at least one weekly unemployment payment between Mar. 15, 2020, and Oct. 24, 2020, is entitled to a $375 check from the state's general budget.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the $100 billion California Comeback Plan into law last month. Direct stimulus funds totaling $8.1 billion are included in the package. The proposal, which is laser-focused on who would receive a check, will send $600 payments to taxpayers earning between $30,000 and $75,000 each year. Families with dependent children will receive an extra $500.
ITIN taxpayers will receive $500. ITIN tax filers are generally immigrants who do not have a Social Security number but pay taxes.
Maryland
Maryland eliminated state and local taxes on unemployment benefits to assist families across the state. Families who applied for the Earned Income Tax Credit received a $500 stimulus check, while those who did not receive a check received $300.
Georgia
Teachers in Georgia have received $1,000 incentives in recognition of their hard work and sacrifices. Teachers work at least five days a week on the front lines in Georgia, where just 42% of the population is vaccinated.
New Mexico
More than 4,600 low-income families in New Mexico recently received emergency financial help totaling $750. Low-income New Mexicans who did not receive a federal stimulus grant were eligible for the one-time payment.
Michigan
Hazard pay for Michigan teachers working in schools was up to $3,000 per year. In addition, $500 was given to additional teachers and other personnel around the state.
Missouri
Correctional officers in Missouri were paid an additional $250 every paycheck for their efforts throughout the outbreak.
While we wait to see if other states will follow suit with their own stimulus packages, there are a record amount of job openings across the country. In an ideal world, the pandemic will be far behind us, more people will get their footing and return to work, and concerns about stimulus would be a thing of the past.
