When will you get a second stimulus check?
News flash: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin didn’t promise second stimulus checks by August.
Here’s what you need to know.
Headlines this weekend suggest that second stimulus checks of $1,200 will be sent in August. The proof? Apparently, Mnuchin spoke with reporters during a trip on Saturday to Capitol Hill with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to meet with congressional staffers who are drafting the new stimulus package proposal. While he spoke with reporters on Capitol Hill Saturday, he didn’t make any comments about second stimulus checks. Here’s what Mnuchin said:
Mnuchin then proceeded to address unemployment benefits, not second stimulus checks. Referring to the enhanced $600 a week unemployment benefits, Mnuchin noted that some people were paid more money to stay home than return to work. He noted that the president’s focus is to get people back to work, and that wage replacement could be focused on 70% wage replacement. The $600 a week unemployment benefits expired yesterday in 49 states and expires in New York today.
First, it’s important to reiterate that Congress has not approved a second stimulus check. Both Democrats and Republicans, as well as President Donald Trump, appear ready to approved a second stimulus check. However, Senate Republicans still need to introduce their stimulus package, which is expected Monday. Second, Republicans have to work with Democrats to produce a final bill. Since Republicans only control 53 seats in the U. S. Senate, they need support from Democrats for the stimulus package. The good news is that second stimulus checks are one area in which Republicans and Democrats could agree. Third, Mnuchin is not a member of Congress and therefore will not vote on the stimulus package, but he is representing the White House in discussions with Congress. That said, as Treasury Secretary, Mnuchin oversees stimulus checks and therefore is informed about the timing, process and distribution of second stimulus checks, if they are approved.
