WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress is at odds over the next stimulus package aimed at helping the nation recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican Congressman Darin LaHood, who represents Illinois’ 18th District, told WMBD’s Greg and Dan, a big point of contention right now is unemployment insurance that’s being paid out each week.
“As I talk to employers across my district, you’re essentially incentivizing people to stay home. So, the $600 is too much money, I believe, so lowering that amount is what we’re arguing over,” LaHood said.
LaHood said whether that unemployment weekly benefit is $400, $300 or $200, his constituents are concerned about how the U.S. economy is being drained.
LaHood said he wants money from the upcoming stimulus package to bypass Springfield, and give relief directly to smaller cities, towns and county governments.
“The City of Peoria has a hole blown in its budget. The last thing we want to be doing is layoff firefighters, police officers, they haven’t gotten any money,” LaHood said.
LaHood said Congress doesn’t want to bail municipalities out for fiscal mismanagement in the past, but determining the right amount of relief in the wake of COVID-19 is something lawmakers in D.C. are working on.
LaHood adds, businesses that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, hospitality, lodging and travel industries, need loans to get them through this difficult time.
“Congress is still working on that,” LaHood said.
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