Congressman Joe Kennedy III announced a plan Tuesday to give cash directly to Americans who are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“[Direct cash payments] can be used to allow individual families to apply that money how they need it ... and to keep the system actually functioning,” Kennedy told Jim Braude on Greater Boston Tuesday.
Kennedy's proposal is similar to one floated by the Trump Administration. The White House says it is exploring the idea of cash payments to Americans in conjunction with Congress, but details for that plan have yet to be released.
Kennedy's worker economic recovery plan for the pandemic would give $4,000 to adults making less than $100,000 a year, along with $2,000 per child. For families making more than $100,000, the payments would be $2,000 per adult and $1,000 per child. The payments for each group would be split into two.
“You get some money now that gets you through a month, and you get some money in that next month to get you through again," Kennedy explained.
His proposal would also speed up the process for unemployment insurance applicants and increase federal funds for Medicaid.
“[The plan] would provide, essentially, a bridge to … get through this crisis … until the end of June.”
Kennedy, who is challenging incumbent Senator Ed Markey, said he supports Markey's call for President Trump to invoke certain powers under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Markey's plan would mobilize domestic private industry to fast track the production of medical equipment in order to maintain a national supply.
“Our healthcare system was not designed to respond to a pandemic like this, but if we had acted decisively and early, we would have had additional lead time," Kennedy said. "We didn’t. We’re behind the 8-ball, but we have to act now. ... I think Senator Markey is right to make that call."
