My inbox is chock full of people asking me to verify rumors – some of them quite specific and I have to say, just a little bit humorous – that a new stimulus package has been approved. In fact, I’ve been getting these questions for a couple of months now. But the requests for information have recently increased.
Let me just say this: I don’t have any more information than you do. But if you base the answer on information from Congress and the White House instead of chain emails and word of mouth, the result is that there is no news. The status, so far as I know, is exactly as reported before.
Remember, the first round of stimulus checks has not yet been completed. Despite calls from the media and politicians, the White House (and most Congressional officials, it seems) believes that we should wait and see what happens before introducing additional stimulus legislation. In fact, as recently as August 1, White House spokesperson Perrino said: I think the president is not inclined to move forward on a second stimulus package right now.
Part of the energy surrounding this second wind of rumors has to do with Obama’s proposed “emergency economic plan” which proposed an additional check by “fast tracking” a tax credit. Some people believe that the plan has already become law; it has not. It is a proposal from Obama to continue to boost a sagging economy. Let’s just say that Obama wins in November and takes office in January – the bill still must pass Congress before it takes effect. So, despite what you’ve heard or read that reference this “emergency” plan as taking effect before the holidays, it is simply not true.
Likewise, there are no “replacement” checks for college students or those who made too much money to qualify this year. That is, I am sorry to say, wishful thinking. Additionally, seniors and returning vets will also not be receiving bonus checks.
I know that many of you want to believe the rumors and many of you feel that they come from reliable sources (if your accountant really did tell you that another check was coming, shame on him or her!) but so far, nothing has changed from before. It could happen – though I still don’t think it will. I think that any economic stimulus package that is introduced at this point will focus on infrastructure and not rebates. But, of course, I could be wrong.
as to another stimulus package, the people that need so very much, are the poor and middle class, with the first stimulus package, we only could wish for things, bills came first!!! we live pay check to pay check,just to meet the monthly bills. their needs to be more funds generated for the poor, with the price of gas, heating your home, food prices, we don;t have enough to live. we have to choose between driving our cars or heating the house,or having food on the table??? the rich don’t really understand what it’s like to be poor, they have money to spend!!!!!!!!
While it may not happen in reality, our local law enforcement folks have used the idea to round up a bunch of our society’s finest who happen to have outstanding warrants:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-sheriff_sting_18aug18,0,6606750.story
I called the I.R.S an dthey said the second check will sart to be mailed out around election time in Nov. Is this true?????????????
I can’t speak for the IRS but I find that fairly impossible to believe… The legislation to send out checks last time was passed in, I think, Feb and checks were sent beginning in May – a three month window. Considering that the elections are just around the corner (about a month) and no legislation has been passed, it’s an ambitious statement.
Plus, I still firmly believe that there will be no second check in the near future. After the bailout fiasco, we won’t have any money left!
I think that a second stimulus check would benifit all americia. Therefore, Congress and Bush[OBAMA] go ahead and pass the bill.
Second tax stimulus check was just reported on CBS nightly news. So I wonder if the news is wrong also.
A second package has not been passed, though the news has reported that it is being considered. A package will not be passed before the elections as Congress is off session. More here: http://www.taxgirl.com/bush-may-be-warming-to-the-idea-of-a-second-stimulus-package/
You can also check the status directly on the web for the Senate and the House.
The House agenda is here: http://www.house.gov/floor/thisweek.htm
The Senate agenda is here: http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/committees/b_three_sections_with_teasers/committee_hearings.htm
what can we do to voice our opinions as middle class citizens how much these payments would help us in this very costly economy when we are on fixed incomes??
When will the next stimulus check will be in the mail, are they thinking about not giving them out anymore.