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As the coronavirus rages across the globe the United States struggles to even get relief to their citizens, increasing stress on the entire population.
If the U.S cannot figure out how to help themselves, can Champlain community members ever safely return to their alma mater?
Robin Iliopoulos, a Champlain College parent, shared her views on the United States’ unique situation and the apparent inability to decide whether or not to help its citizens through the American Rescue Plan, President Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollars proposed stimulus package. “It’s painful. It’s painful and depressing. It’s frustrating to live in a country that is supposed to be known for power and freedom, as well as supposedly welcoming those in need, that our leaders cannot agree and put in place a plan to protect its people.”
In a CNBC article, it was noted that Democrats are now moving forward with the COVID relief bill now that former President Donald Trump has been acquitted. The Dems have their attention on getting the proposed $1.9 trillion COVID bill passed, and they also made note of their push for it to be passed before certain unemployment programs expire, giving them a window to get relief to Americans by March 14th.
Steny Hoyer, the House Majority Leader D-Md even told their fellow lawmakers to “prepare to work through Feb. 26th, and into the ensuing weekend” to get this relief bill passed. President Joe Biden has listed COVID relief as his “top priority” according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
The House’s proposal for the bill includes payments of up to $1,400 as well as putting in place a $400 weekly unemployed benefit supplement, and even includes a $350 billion for struggling state, local, and tribal governments.
Vermonter Tonah Clairmont is fighting on the front lines of the pandemic as a nurse. When asked about anxiety over the COVID relief bill, she stated: “I’m in need of a stimulus very badly. This makes me very sad because I am a nurse and have been able to work this entire time. It makes me very sad for people who are less fortunate than I.”
In terms of vaccine distribution, and whether Clairmont thinks it needs to be ramped up, she said: “I would like to see COVID vaccinations ramped up but I also understand the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in making that happen. I believe that we have done pretty well in Vermont.”
Fortunately, it appears that vaccination help is coming, as included in the aid bill is around $20 billion for a national vaccination program, and for schooling around $170 billion to help aid costs for reopening, helping students, and other needs.
The main opposition to this bill comes from Republicans. President Biden argued that he would prefer to “pass a large bill now than potentially get bogged down in weeks or months of talks, only to agree to a smaller proposal.” A major point of contention lies in the bill’s proposal to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025.
By Kristos Iliopoulos
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