2020)

UPDATE- On Monday, July 27, Senate Republicans introduced the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. The roughly $1 trillion proposal includes over $100 billion in funding for schools, another round of $1,200 stimulus checks, an extension of federal unemployment benefits at a greatly reduced amount, more Paycheck Protection Program loans, and funding for COVID-19 testing and treatment. To become law, this bill must pass both chambers of Congress before heading to the President’s desk for signature, and a lot can change in that process.

With the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, created by the CARES Act, set to expire in a week, many people are wondering about the next phase of relief from the federal government given the ongoing pandemic.

In May, the House passed the Heroes Act, a $3 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, but it was dead on arrival at the Senate. It did, however, begin the conversation about the next round of stimulus provisions in earnest.

Now the Senate is working toward agreement on many issues to be included in a forthcoming bill, such as approximately $100 billion in additional forgivable small business loans, a liability shield for employers who comply with official guidance, continued, but likely scaled back, federal unemployment benefits, $25 billion for COVID-19 testing, $26 billion toward vaccine development, $105 billion for schools, $30 billion to colleges and universities, and about $1 trillion for another round of direct payments to most Americans.

On Thursday, July 23, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that there is an agreement in principle about the next stimulus package, but time is needed to review the details. He indicated a proposal will come early next week. Any proposal would need to pass both the Senate and the House, and be signed by President to become effective. Stay tuned.

Please note this current global emergency and applicable laws, regulations, proposals, guidance, advice, and responses change rapidly. We strive to keep you up to date as much as possible, but this blog article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Contact myHRcounsel with questions concerning specific facts and circumstances.