HEALS vs. CARES vs. Heroes stimulus packages: Key differences between the proposed acts - CNET
Here's what each stimulus package has to offer.
Angela Lang/CNETEven now, Congress is debating the details of a new stimulus package to help Americans survive amid an ongoing recession created by the coronavirus pandemic. Both sides of the aisle agree that a final bill will include a second stimulus payment for qualified Americans, but two proposals disagree on the terms of renewing enhanced unemployment benefits.
"We have been for the $600. They have a $200 proposal, which does not meet the needs of America's working families," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on This Week. "And it's a condescension, quite frankly, because they're saying, 'They really don't need it; they're just staying home because they make more money at $600.'"
The GOP's HEALS Act is the front-running proposal, but Democratic leaders strongly object to the $1 trillion price tag, which they see as too small, and slashing unemployment assistance. The House of Representatives' counterproposal costs $3 trillion and includes more money for enhanced jobless benefits and direct payments to more people than both the original CARES Act and the proposed HEALS Act.
Take a look at how the CARES, Heroes and HEALS acts compare and contrast to get an idea of what's under consideration for the final package. This story updates often.
Watch this: Stimulus standoff on Capitol Hill
1:21
CARES vs. Heroes vs. HEALS Acts: What's the difference?
| | CARES (from March) | Heroes (Democratic) | HEALS (Republican) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cost of stimulus package | $2.2 trillion | $3 trillion | $1 trillion |
| Stimulus check maximum payment amount | $1,200 to single filers earning under $75k per year, $2,400 for joint filers under $125k. Reduced $5 per $100 of income above limits. | Same as CARES. | Same as CARES. |
| How much stimulus money you get for dependents | $500 for dependents, 16 and under. College students, 24 and under, are not eligible. | $1,200 for dependents, maximum of three. | $500 for dependents, no age limit. |
| Enhanced unemployment benefit | $600 per week in addition to state benefits. | Same as CARES. | Initially $200 per week. Then up to $500 per week to match 70% of lost wages when added to state benefits. |
| How long enhanced unemployment lasts | Expires July 31. | January 2021 for most workers, through March 2021 for gig workers, independent contractors, part-time workers and self-employed. | $200 per week bonus through September. Then 70% matching of lost wages. Extends expiration of federal benefits until Dec. 31. |
| Paycheck Protection Program | Allocated $659 billion total in forgivable loans for small businesses, who must use 75% on payroll to be eligible for forgiveness. $130 billion remains, but expires Aug. 8. | Expands eligibility, eliminates 75% payroll requirement and extends application period to Dec. 31. | Injects another $190 billion into the PPP fund, expands eligibility and allows businesses to request a second loan. Eliminates 75% payroll requirement and expands approved uses of funds for loan forgiveness. |
| Employee tax credit | Tax credit on 50% of up to $10,000 in wages. | Increases tax credit to 80% of up to $15,000 in wages. | Increases tax credit to 65% of up to $30,000. |
| Bonus for employees who start new jobs or are rehired | Does not address. | Does not address. | There could be a return-to-work bonus of up to $450 per week for unemployed workers who secure a new job or are rehired. |
| Eviction protections and moratorium | Bans late fees until July 25 and evictions until Aug. 24 on properties backed by federal mortgage programs (Fannie Mae, etc.) or that receive federal funds (HUD, etc.) | Expands to cover nearly all rental properties in the US, extends eviction moratorium an additional 12 months, allocates $200 billion for housing programs and another $100 billion for rental assistance. | Does not address. |
| School reopening | Does not address. | $58 billion for grades K-12, $42 billion for higher education. | $70 billion to K-12 that open for in-person classes, $29 billion for higher education, $1 billion to Bureau of Indian Education, $5 billion state discretion. |
| Liability protection from coronavirus illness | Does not address. | Does not address. | 5 year liability shield to prevent schools, businesses, hospitals, from being sued over coronavirus-related issues. |
| Coronavirus testing | Does not address. | Does not address. | $16 billion. |
tinyurlis.gdv.gdv.htclck.ruulvis.netshrtco.detny.im