By Elizabeth A. Rosso, Attorney
Jordan Ramis PC continues to monitor legal developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, we are closely tracking the assembly and possible passage of an additional federal stimulus package. Congress returned from recess on July 20, 2020 and is expected to take up the next round of coronavirus stimulus funding before its next recess on August 7, 2020.
Although the House passed the HEROES Act in May, the Senate never took up the measure. The HEROES Act is an omnibus bill that, among other things, would have authorized supplemental appropriations to provide relief for fisheries, state and local governments, transit agencies, schools, small businesses, and employers (including agricultural workplaces). The Senate balked at the bill, in part because of its size ($3.4 trillion) and its lack of liability protection for businesses, and has said it will draft the next stimulus package on its own. Some benefits included in the CARES Act, like the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit payable in addition to state unemployment benefits, expire at the end of July, so Congress must act quickly if it is to avoid any gaps in available relief.
Whether an additional stimulus package will be enacted and what it will include both remain to be seen, and Jordan Ramis PC will keep its clients informed about the status and impact of any forthcoming legislation.
