New hope for the stimulus bill: What could be in it and what's happening now - CNET

The government's next steps could have a major impact on the economy -- and on you.

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In Washington's on-again, off-again negotiations on a new economic relief bill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she'll keep the House of Representatives in session until lawmakers reach an agreement on a relief package. The House had planned to break on Oct. 2 for district work.

"I heard Nancy Pelsoi said she doesn't want to leave until we have an agreement," said President Donald Trump during a Wednesday White House press conference. "I agree with her. We should have an agreement."

The renewed interest in talks comes as a bipartisan group of House members called the Problem Solvers Caucus released a $2 trillion proposal on Tuesday that pulls in ideas from previous stimulus proposals to create a framework for renewed negotiations.

 "We found there is a path forward here," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus. "If you talk to each other, there is a way forward." The proposal includes a second round of stimulus checks, additional unemployment aid and small business assistance.

When and if a new coronavirus relief package is signed into law -- whether before or after the Nov. 3 election -- here are all the pieces of funding it could contain that could benefit the economy and you. And here are six top things to know about stimulus checks. This story updates often.

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That second stimulus check, for as much as $1,200 apiece

The fate of a second stimulus payment is currently tied up with package negotiations, although it's also been suggested that President Donald Trump could sign an executive action to funnel more aid into the economy, potentially including another direct payment. 

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Enhanced unemployment pay for millions out of work

A stop-gap measure for the federal government to fund $300 a week in enhanced unemployment pay only lasts six weeks and is already ending in some states. 

A major point of contention in the debate, Democrats want a new bill to provide $600 per week on top of states' benefit just like the CARES Act did in March. Republicans want to slim the figure to $300. The Problem Solvers proposal puts the figure at $450 for eight weeks, with an increase afterward.

Money for schools to battle the spread of COVID-19 on campus

Funding to pay for hygiene protocols, testing and other accommodations during the coronavirus pandemic are top priorities on both sides of the aisle to help mitigate the virus' spread among students and faculty. 

As some schools opened through August, data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association shows a 16% increases in cases among children, from Aug. 20 to Sept. 3.

Enhanced hygiene, testing and modifications to school cost time and money, two things many facilities lack.

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Employee tax credits to help businesses hang onto staff

A program administered by the IRS already exists designed to give employers a tax break for keeping employees on the payroll, through the end of 2020. A new bill could extend or enhance the program into 2021. 

Payroll Protection Program to help small businesses stay open

Intended to help you retain your job, the Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans to small businesses as an incentive to keep employees on the payroll -- people who might have otherwise have lost their jobs during the pandemic. 

Eviction moratorium and potential rental assistance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used an obscure health law to suspend evictions through Dec. 13, as long as renters complete the necessary paperwork. 

Without eviction protections, it's been estimated that up to 40 million people across 17 million households could lose their homes if the economy doesn't recover before the latest protections lapse.

With mail-in ballots expected to rise this election year, the USPS will feel greater strain, with fewer resources.

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Funding to help the US Postal Service cope with election season

Both Democrats and Republicans have advanced bills with an eye to help fund a US Postal Service in crisis ahead of an election in which up to 80 million people are expected to vote by mail. 

The House of Representatives' bill passed but hasn't been picked up by the Senate. The Senate's "skinny" bill didn't clear its chamber. 

Protection for businesses from future coronavirus lawsuits

Liability protection is high on the agenda for Republican lawmakers. Introduced in the Republicans' HEALS Act proposal, the measure would place a limit on lawsuits levied against employers, schools and health care providers in relation to coronavirus exposure, with exceptions made for gross negligence.

With the stimulus bill still undecided, follow along for the most up-to-date news on where negotiations stand. You can also brush up on the ins and outs of Trump's payroll tax deferral and learn how the definition of dependents could change in a second stimulus check.

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