US Representative Cheri Bustos says the relief package, passed by the House today, will help people and businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic. It's called, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The Moline congresswoman says the $2 trillion package includes $1,200 cash payments to people who earn $75,000 or less. The unemployment benefits feature full paycheck replacement and will extend unemployment benefits. Bustos says individual contractors and the self-employed will also be eligible for those benefits.
The COVID-19 relief bill also includes $350 billion in financial assistance for small businesses and farmers. Farmers will also have access to additional credit programs.
The bill will create a $150 billion State Coronavirus Relief Fund for state and local governments. Bustos says Illinois will receive about 4.9 billion.
And the legislation will provide around $200 billion for hospitals, health care workers, and health researchers.
The funding will help them replenish dwindling supplies of masks, gowns, goggles, other personal protective equipment, and medical supplies.
