NATIONWIDE -- Americans began receiving $1,200 stimulus checks from the government in mid-April. While they were certainly a helpful Band-Aid, not everyone has received their checks yet, and many more are hoping for a second round of financial aid.

What You Need To Know


  • $1,200 stimulus checks began arriving in mid-April

  • Millions of Americans remain out of work

  • Legislation for more stimulus checks exists 

  • Several hurdles stand in the way

While several states, including Texas, have moved to reopen their economies in phases, the fact is millions of Americans filed for unemployment last week alone, bringing the total to roughly 30 million since mid-March.

In 2019, the average cost to rent an apartment in the United States was $1,471 per month. For many people, that $1,200 won’t even cover a month’s rent.

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So what about a second, potentially more generous stimulus check? The short answer is, it’s up in the air.

President Donald Trump has stated he is in favor of a payroll tax cut, or that a payroll cut be tied to a stimulus check. While that might encourage people to spend more, it wouldn’t do much for those who have been laid off or furloughed.

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There are bills that would provide Americans with an additional money. One was filed by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. That would provide Americans over the age of 16 and who make less than $130,000 a year with $2,000 per month for the duration of the pandemic.

Under a similar plan by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, Americans would quickly receive $2,000.

There are some potential stumbling blocks. Plans to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol on May 4 were canceled over health concerns. Newsweek reported some GOP members are concerned about the national debt. Some lawmakers would prefer to wait until the effects of the first round of checks are assessed.