Coronavirus Relief: Does It Cover Everybody?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically impacted the working class and their lifestyle across the United States. Many Americans are worrying about paying their rent and bills after losing their jobs while trying to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families. As the economy continues to decline, more and more Americans are falling into this category. According to the Washington Post, more than 17 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the past four weeks as of April 9. These individuals are not receiving the same support and benefits as the upper class. One example of this is when basketball star Kevin Durant was tested positive for COVID-19 (Bloomberg). After this, the Brooklyn Nets team tested all of their players. New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio criticized Durant’s team for getting priority over the large number of critically ill patients waiting to be tested in New York. Nevertheless, the community can give back to the many struggling individuals through donations and fundraising.
“There are millions and millions of Americans who are at risk at losing their homes and jobs,” sophomore Quinn Massey said. “I hope that this virus passes quickly so America can return to the way it once was.”
According to The Market Watch, as the economy continues to decline, more and more people who work as health care workers, small business owners, manufacturers, construction workers and service-industry workers are being laid off. On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses, according to The Market Watch. But further analysis has concluded that this may benefit the wealthy upper class more than the individuals who are financially struggling. This would only increase income inequality which could lead to larger social and economic problems. According to Yahoo Finance, more than 80 percent of the benefits would lean towards the individuals who have a net worth of $1 million or higher, and less than 3 percent of the benefits would be given to individuals earning less than $100,000. However, this is not the only form of “support for individuals who are financially struggling” that is unsuccessful. According to the National Review, like the $1200 COVID-19 stimulus check an individual could be eligible to receive only a $1,200 check. This is simply not enough financial aid to support a family who is suffering through job loss, taxes, rent, and/or lack of survival supplies. Our government needs to find other, better alternatives in order to effectively help the numerous amount of Americans in need of financial support.
“There are so many individuals who are in dire need of financial aid and survival supplies,” junior Lillian McGoldrick said. “But there is not enough support given by the government. Any opportunity the community has to give back to others, we should take.”
Amid this inequality, there still are public figures making a positive effort through donations and fundraisers. Celebrities such as Kristen Bell donated $150,007.96 to No Kid Hungry Organization and “Modern Family” alumnus Eric Stonestreet donated 200,000 meals to the Harvesters Community Food Network (USA Today). However, this will single-handedly not help the large struggling population.
Many celebrities and well-known individuals have had more access and ability to materials and opportunities than others. For example, Members of Congress have care immediately on hand through the Office of Attending Physician, a fully staffed office that can make recommendations to send lawmakers to world-class hospitals for top-of-the-line care (The Atlantic). While these individuals have priority to hospitals, are there many other Americans who are unable to receive medical care because of overcrowding in hospitals. Equal opportunity to reach medical support should be given to all American citizens.
“What America needs most is support from one another,” junior Ryan Lee said. “So many Americans are in serious danger of bankruptcy or even death. We, as a community, need to continue helping others who are less fortunate by donating and fundraising.”
