MA Senator Wants Monthly $2K Coronavirus Relief Checks For All

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Sen. Ed Markey is among three prominent senators spearheading perhaps the most ambitious coronavirus relief package yet.

The Massachusetts senator, along with Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is introducing a bill that would deliver $2,000 a month to each U.S. resident making under $120,000. The checks would be retroactive to March and last until three months after the coronavirus health emergency is over.

Under the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act, each married couple who files jointly would get $4,000 a month and $2,000 for each child (up to three children.) Payments would not be contingent on whether someone has filed a tax return or has a Social Security number.

The bill would provide payments for homeless people and foster children. It would also keep debt collectors from seizing the stimulus checks as payment.

The CARES Act provided a one-time payment of $1,200 for many Americans, with additional $500 payments per child. But as the national unemployment rate skyrockets to levels not seen since The Great Depression, some are calling on more aid.

"The CARES Act gave Americans an important one-time payment, but it's clear that wasn't nearly enough to meet the needs of this historic crisis," Harris said in a statement. "The Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act will ensure families have the resources they need to make ends meet. I am eager to continue working with Senators Sanders and Markey as we push to pass this bill immediately."