Millions of Americans will be getting stimulus checks, but the amounts will be a little different this time around.
"It's not as big as some people have hoped, but it's certainly better than nothing," said Allen Bolar, 23ABC political contributor.
A deal was reached in congress Sunday for a $900 billion stimulus bill. But this package is much smaller than the $2.2 trillion stimulus passed back in March.
"We can talk about the merits, is it enough? Should have it been higher? Let's just talk about what it is for the purpose of planning," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The state estimates about $20 billion of the stimulus will be allocated to unemployed Californians.
According to Governor Newsom, they will be getting $300 a week on top of their current unemployment benefits for about 11 weeks.
Stimulus checks will also be going out to Californians who currently have jobs. But the amount depends on your income.
You'll get a $600 check if you make $75,000 a year or less. If you're married you'll get $1,200 if you make 150,000 or less annually, those who make $87,000 or less will get an amount less than $60.
Checks will not be sent to those who make any more than that.
"There is a belief that the U.S. government's response to the pandemic, has been less than other countries in terms of economic response," added Bolar.
23ABC's political contributor Allen Bolar underscores that assertion as the amounts of the stimulus check and unemployment benefit this time around are half of what was included in the first stimulus package.
But Bolar says the economic response from the U.S. government has been massive since the pandemic began.
"This $300 dollars is less generous than that, but it's going to be more than what people normally make in unemployment. In addition, we sent out billions of dollars in small businesses."
"The U.S. government has responded more forcefully in terms of economic assistance than essentially any other government on earth, except maybe Canada."
Also, each dependent such as a child will earn you an additional $600.
Congress has already agreed on the stimulus so it's expected to pass in both the house and the senate.
According to the treasury secretary, he expects checks to be sent out starting next week.
