In 2017, a staggering 75% of American workers reported living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. They managed to put food on the table but found themselves unable to cover even a minor $250 emergency, such as a dental visit or car repair. Bankrate’s 2019 Financial Security Index revealed that nearly 30% of Americans had no savings, and 25% couldn’t even cover the recommended three months of living expenses. This was a significant issue even before the pandemic struck.
Fast forward to today, and many families now face even greater hardships. Columbia University research indicates that the number of people living in poverty has surged by 8 million since May. This increase occurred despite the temporary relief provided by the CARES Act, which lifted 18 million individuals above the poverty line in April. However, by late summer, that number dwindled to about 4 million after the expiration of the $600 weekly unemployment supplement.
While the CARES Act provided some assistance, many families, including mine, were left behind. We did not receive our stimulus check due to an absurd bureaucratic issue involving my spouse’s social security card. This situation highlights how not all families are treated equally in this country. The rising poverty rates have disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic communities and children.
For those who did not earn enough to file taxes, accessing their stimulus payments required navigating the IRS’s portal, adding to their already overwhelming stress. “By conditioning this aid on employment status, the bill ensures that essential workers—those risking their health daily—receive little to no aid,” notes an opinion piece in The Hill. In New York City, it’s estimated that 24% of essential workers live below the poverty line.
Where is the leadership we need? The promise to “Make America Great Again” rings hollow when millions languish below the poverty line, which for a family of four is only $26,200 in the lower 48 states. How can anyone survive on that?
The mixed messages and erratic decisions from our leaders are confusing and troubling, especially with over 40 million lives hanging in the balance. A recent New York Times article underscores that the government is ill-equipped to handle the economic challenges we face. “The rise in poverty has occurred despite an improving job market,” it states, indicating that the economic recovery is too slow to compensate for lost benefits.
We are confronting a political landscape filled with individuals who lack empathy—those who have never faced the realities of hunger or financial insecurity. The CARES Act, which provided a one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, has proven insufficient. Where is the ongoing support that American families desperately need?
The Democratic House has already passed multitrillion-dollar financial aid packages twice, only to encounter resistance from the Republican Senate, which favors smaller proposals. As if that weren’t enough, Trump has been indecisive, initially halting stimulus talks before pivoting to advocate for a larger package. This lack of decisive action reflects an administration that seems indifferent to the plight of the people.
Now, Congress has adjourned until November 9th, with no substantial aid bill passed to address the ongoing crisis. The CARES Act was merely a temporary fix—a Band-Aid that does little to address the deeper issues at hand. It’s disheartening to see the government taking its time while American families suffer.
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- How can families access financial aid during the pandemic?
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In summary, American families are in urgent need of sustained financial support as they navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. The government’s response has been inadequate, leaving many struggling to survive. While some relief has been provided, it is far from enough to meet the ongoing needs of families across the nation.