Recent Federal Stimulus Legislation Is ‘Triage,’ Says Congressman Jared Huffman

As the Coronavirus pandemic sweeps across California’s North Coast, many residents are in tenuous financial situations and are looking forward to some relief from the government. Yesterday, Congressman Jared Huffman, the U.S. Congressman of California’s 2nd District, provided his perspective on the economic burden the pandemic has had on the North Coast and offered clarity on the recent stimulus legislation designed to ease these unprecedented times.

“The term ‘stimulus’ is really a misnomer,” Congressman Huffman explained. “The financial support offered in the recent legislation is triage. The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the nation’s economy and the legislation is designed to address urgent needs.”

Congressman Huffman warned of the economic downturn’s particular effects on the North Coast financial situation.: He explained that a significant portion of “Northern California’s economy is based on tourism and hospitality industry. As we enter into Spring Break season practicing shelter-in-place, that income will be critically reduced.”

Sun Valley Floral Farms, a cut flower operation in Arcata, California, is emblematic of the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on the North Coast’s economy, according to Congressman Huffman. “Employing over 500 people, Sun Valley Floral Farms is one of the largest producers of cut flowers on the West Coast. With social distancing and sheltering in place being practiced, they have experienced a dramatic decrease in sales. Having over 500 employees, Sun Valley Farms is disqualified from small business loan relief programs.”

Congressman Huffman’s office described how much North Coast residents can expect to receive from the stimulus legislation: “The amount of the rebate depends on family size. Individuals making up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married workers) will receive payments of $1,200 with an additional $500 payment per minor child. The payments decrease rateably and stop altogether for single workers making more than $99,000 ($198,000 for married workers and $218,000 for a family of four.)”

Huffman’s office said “Congress gave the Trump administration 15 days to come up with the plan to issue these checks, and we have pushed the federal agencies to simplify the process as much as possible. It’s now up to the Treasury Department to get the checks out to individuals as quickly as possible.”

For those who have yet to file 2019 taxes, Huffman’s office explained, “These payments will be based on 2019 tax returns or 2018 tax returns if someone has not already filed 2019, or a 2019 Social Security statement. If someone has not filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and does not receive Social Security benefits, they may need to file a return to receive payment, but we do not yet have any guidance from the IRS on which form should be used. If the IRS does not have the taxpayer’s bank account information, the taxpayer should look for a letter from the IRS detailing how to receive their payment.”

Regardless of filing taxes, Congressman Huffman’s office explained, “[Y]ou are eligible for a rebate as long as you have a social security number or taxpayer-identification number and are below the maximum income level – even if you have zero earned income. Congress directed the IRS to come up with a plan for issuing these checks within 15 days, and additionally directed the IRS to conduct a public awareness campaign to reach everyone who is eligible to explain how they can access these Congressionally-directed rebates.” Based on this information, Americans can expect the IRS to communicate with them directly about receiving their stimulus checks.

The US Treasury is expected to ask Congress for another $200 billion for small businesses and Congress is considering providing more direct payments to individuals. With uncertainty on how long the Shelter-in-Place orders are expected to last as the country moves through this unprecedented time, the only thing that is certain is that without financial assistance, many businesses will fail and many individuals will face incredible hardship.

But Huffman offered this comfort: “Anxiety is appropriate to feel during these times [but] I want all residents to know, there is relief on the way.”