Will we get a second round of coronavirus stimulus checks? Here's what we're hearing - CNET

Washington is already talking about a second round of stimulus payments for US taxpayers.

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The IRS hasn't finished making stimulus payments of up to $1,200 per person to millions of Americans, and already some are wondering if those checks will do enough and if there will be a second coronavirus relief bill. With the unemployment rate reaching 14.7%, more than 33 million people filing first-time unemployment claims since mid-March, and the country barreling toward a recession that economists predict globally could be the worst since the Great Depression, talk of a second 2020 stimulus check has begun. 

The "economic impact payments" being issued by the IRS through direct deposit to banks and by checks in the mail were introduced as a one-time payment designed to help curb the financial blow caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. 

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There's no indication that a second stimulus package for individuals -- which some are calling the "CARES 2 Act" -- would be immediately decided upon. For now, a handful of ideas from members of Congress are discussing the possibility. Here's what we know about a second round of stimulus payments in 2020 for individuals. 

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Recap: The first coronavirus stimulus package

In an effort to blunt the financial effects of the coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump in March signed into law a $2 trillion economic stimulus package (technically a relief package) that included payments of up to $1,200 to eligible US taxpayers and $500 for each child 16 or younger. The IRS began sending checks in the middle of April, and by the end of the month it had made more than 122 million payments. The rollout was bumpy, with some recipients wrestling with the tools the IRS provided to assist with signing up for and tracking their checks.

The argument in favor of another round of stimulus checks

Since the middle of March, more than 33 million US workers who have lost their jobs have filed for unemployment. The actual number of unemployed since governors and mayors locked down their states and cities to stop the spread of coronavirus is likely higher -- perhaps millions higher -- because many who are eligible didn't file a jobless claim. With the job losses, the nation's unemployment rate reached 14.7%. The newly unemployed along with others taking an economic hit from the pandemic might benefit from having more money right now to spend. 

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The argument against a second wave of relief payments

Some in Washington, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, question whether the relief measures have met their goals and want to tap the brakes before approving more federal spending to evaluate the effects of the already-approved relief packages. McConnell and others also worry how additional stimulus packages will increase the historic federal deficit.

What are proposals for a second round of economic stimulus payments

Instead of a one-time payment, some in Washington argue a more effective way to assist struggling US taxpayers and stimulate the economy is through payroll tax cuts that let workers hold on to more of their money each paycheck. 

President Trump has thrown his support behind this approach to get more dollars into taxpayer hands. "I want to see a payroll tax cut," he said at a virutal town hall meeting earlier this month. "We're not doing anything unless we get a payroll tax cut." 

A payroll tax cut could help those with jobs but wouldn't benefit anyone already out of work and without a paycheck, some economists say.

For many, the stimulus check will help pay for rent and groceries.

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Others in Washington are looking at broader, long-term approaches to assist those staggered by the coronavirus economic crisis. Congressmen Ro Khanna and Tim Ryan, for example, propose giving many US residents $2,000 a month for at least six months to see their households through the crisis. Senator Mitt Romney proposed a similar plan for $1,000 a month, and Senator Josh Hawley supports monthly payments to families with children. 

Taking a longer view, Senators Kamala Harris, Ed Markey and Bernie Sanders introduced legislation that would provide a monthly $2,000 check till three months after the pandemic ends. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Pramila Jayapal propose extending payments for a year after the crisis ends.

What will happen next

Although some in Congress are working to rally support for additional aid, neither the House nor the Senate has so far passed a bill for a second round of relief payments for individuals. We are keeping an eye on developments and will update this article frequently.

In the meantime, learn about financial resources available to you. Here's what to know about unemployment insurance, what you can do if you've lost your job, what to know about evictions and late car payments and how to take control of your budget.

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