A plea for Human Generosity
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
In April, 2020, eligible citizens of the U.S.A. were the recipients of a stimulus package because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Families who filed tax returns received either a check in the mail, or a deposit into their bank account that looked like this:
Apr 15, 2020 - IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF [ssn]200909 - $2,400.00
The amount would have depended upon the type of tax return filed.
The distribution was meant to help those people not able to afford being unemployed because of the pandemic. These distributions certainly were a godsend for many who would otherwise not have been able to remain solvent during the early part of this unusual year.
In several discussions with friends and relatives, I've learned that the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act" [CARES] provided cash payments to more than 115 million U.S. citizens. The one-time payment is set at $1,200 per adult making less than $75,000 in annual salary. ($2,400 for married couples with combined annual income of $150,000 or less. There are further break points providing lesser payments to individuals who have annual salaries up to $99,000. The payments do not count as taxable income.
It is significant that many of those distributions went to families or individuals who were retired, or for other reasons, were not-so-badly affected by the many shutdowns. This brings about a moral dilemma for some of us. Certainly most of the money distributed under this stimulus package was well deserved, and had a positive impact on the recipients' economic health during the pandemic. But surely millions of people received these payments who would have been OK, even without the stimulus package. I personally simply left my money in the bank, and at least half my retired friends did the same. But wait....
Should we just give that money back to the government? I don't believe anyone likes that idea. But I would like to put forth a suggestion that would be morally correct.
Each of us must know a few people who could use a little extra cash during this crisis. How about your favorite waitress at Leo's Coney Island, or a particularly courteous employee at McDonalds. I have in mind several people who have been laid off from businesses in Fenton. I'm suggesting that each of us take at least a major portion of our stimulus money, divide that up into 10 or so envelopes, and give one of those envelopes to each of those special people who could use a little extra cash to make up for what they have lost during this pandemic. I know.... $100 doesn't go far enough to make much of a difference to someone out of work, but if we succeed in starting a trend, each needy person has the possibility of receiving several gifts.
I'm sure every stimulus recipient knows several additional people in the same situation. I hope those of you who do know someone like this will copy this email and pass it on to them. If enough of us do, we could make a significant difference to those who need a little financial boost.
So let's all make an effort to get those dollars to the people who really need the help. If you're in on the idea, get to work on filling those envelopes. If you can't think of 10 deserving people, just put more money into fewer envelopes. If you are unable to do that, there are hundreds of church and community organizations which could effectively use a few extra $1,200 contributions. Seek one out.
Do you like this idea? If so, send an email to:
EustesIII@nemta.info
(I just want to see if there is any acceptance of this idea.)
Update: 12/11/2020 9:00AM
Only two days after publishing this post, there have been 27 responses. I am pleased that this plea has garnered such quick response.
Update: 12/15/2020 10:30AM
As of this morning, 288 individuals have pledged to gift major portions of their stimulus distributions to needy individuals. Many of you have obviously passed the word on to others, for which we are grateful. Thank you all for being part of a worthwhile movement.