Isn’t this plan we’re hearing about just the Senate Republican plan, and it will probably have to change as the Democrats have to be negotiated with? I feel like we shouldn’t be letting ourselves get wrapped up in these numbers. They’ll likely change, or maybe even get scrapped if the parties get into a fight.
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This is true, but the last time a stimulus check was sent out in 2008 (I think 2008?) it all happened pretty quickly…
I hope you’re right. Kinda. Because I think the plan sucks and is unfair.
I guess I should say, I remember it all happening quickly. But objectively I don’t know if it did. Now, over a decade later, it seems like it. Also, things are much more partisan now.
I really hope if the payout happens that a fund develops so those of us (me) who don’t need the extra grand or whatever can just donate it directly to people who are way harder hit. I’m over here getting normal paychecks (as is my husband) like nothing is happening, while so many people are already effectively out of work. It’s ridiculous, I don’t need any money from the government.
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I haven’t found anything yet about what happens to people who just get Social Security. Like, a lot of elderly folks. I assume they get nothing?
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AllHat, there are likely some mutual aid societies springing up in your city, if you are interested in those! There are a lot of groups creating e.g. assistance funds for out of work bartenders and other folks who are being hit hard right now.
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I figure I’ll use some of mine to support artists and small business, whether that’s through donating to the many GoFundMes that have popped up among my social circle, or buying gift certificates, or buying art. Part of me feels though like I should stick it in savings to pay for a medical catastrophe, since if Boyfriend or I ends up intubated, we don’t have savings to cover that.
Though - I didn’t realize this is how a shelter in place works. A friend who has an art business in CA, selling on Etsy mostly, said she had to shut down and isn’t allowed to mail anything to anyone? Really? She says because she is a nonessential business she cannot operate in any way, nor can anyone in CA who makes their living from art. Just… wow.
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Depending on how much they get, I believe Social Security is at least partially taxable (which is another issue entirely), so they might still get something.
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Today bandcamp and many labels are forgoing revenue and passing 100% on to musicians. So if you have a musician you have been thinking about buying from! Now is the time!
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Thank you! I will look that up. I upped my regular donations that I do monthly but if I get a lump sum I’d like to toss it where it’s most immediately needed.
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I was just coming here to ask this!
Where are people donating?
I know food banks are swamped with newly unemployed people, but where else can I direct $?
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This is not accurate under any of the shelter-in-place orders that I’ve read for California, including for LA. That order requires the closure of non-essential retail business, which means retail fronts. It also states:
“To the extent that business operations may be maintained by telecommuting or other remote means, while allowing all individuals to maintain shelter in their residences, this order shall not apply to limit such business activities.”
Remote means includes the mail, which is still running. Unless her process requires tons of time spent in the post office – which is not quite remote – she can still ship things out.
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Helping your local is always good. There’s some examples here: Canadian local caremongering. Some cities have more robust systems built up than others.
Food banks need both money and volunteers. Meals On Wheels and other meal-delivery organizations need both money and volunteers (I just messaged my local Grey Bears asking if I can help).
Bandcamp is forfeiting its share of sales today, if you want to support musicians.
I’m looking up more resources and will post as I find them, if that would be helpful.
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I know I’ve seen people posting some mutual aid stuff in your city on Instagram (since I have a lot of friends there). I’ll send you the links if I see them again!
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Humane societies for pets and various rescues could use assistance.
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Thanks! 
And thanks for your discretion too 
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Well this is how you do it. Finally the UK caught up.
God the US could learn a little about how to support workers from…well, any other G-20 country.
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I don’t know about anyone else but I am struggling to be motivated to work right now. I know that diving into work will help me but laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling listlessly is just so much more appealing right now.
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So now we’re not supposed to bring our own grocery bags to the store? 
I’m supposed to walk home with enough groceries for 3 people in those flimsy plastic bags? Ugh. I mean, I kinda get it, but at the same time, the grocery store is dirty and my bags can’t be dragging in that many more germs.
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