Questions? Call The Member Resource Center at (877) 233-8880
Questions? Call The Member Resource Center at (877) 233-8880
On March 27, a COVID-19 stimulus package was signed into law. The new law includes
some important protections and support for working people during this crisis. While this
legislation is only a first step, there are a number of provisions that will help SEIU members
and other working people immediately, including:
Financial relief
It provides for direct cash payments of $1200 for individuals who make less than $75,000
and $2400 for married couples who make less than $150,000 combined. Families will also
receive an additional $500 cash payment per child. You can use this helpful calculator for
direct cash payments from the Washington Post.
It increases food assistance by providing an additional $24.3 billion for child nutrition
programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The legislation protects housing with $12 billion in housing assistance and protects
tenants from eviction.
Airports
• $150 billion for hospitals and other healthcare providers. The funds will address
immediate capacity needs including personal protective equipment, a significant
investment in pharmaceutical research and development for vaccines and therapies,
and expanded access to treatment through changes in the law regarding providers and
insurers and Medicare and Medicaid.
School employees
• $30.75 billion in emergency support to local school systems and higher education.
Additional funding will allow institutions to continue to provide educational services to
their students and support the on-going functionality of school districts and institutions.
These funds can be used in a variety of ways, including funding distance learning while
schools are closed, as well as cleaning and sanitizing school buildings.
Child Care
• Assistance for child care providers and frontline workers who need child care. Child
Care workers will benefit from the $3.5 billion increase for the Child Care and Development
Block Grant (CCDBG) program including provisions allowing for continued payments to
providers and their staff during closures or enrollment declines. States are also authorized
to use funds to provide child care assistance to healthcare workers and other essential
workers. The legislation also provides $750 million for Head Start.
Public transportation
• $25 billion in aid to our nation’s transit systems. Funds will help protect public health
and safety while ensuring access to jobs, medical treatment, food, and other essential
services.