HEALS, CARES, Heroes acts: A final stimulus package could land somewhere in the middle

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The CARES Act passed in March has laid the groundwork for two more proposals from the Democrats and Republicans, respectively.


Angela Lang/CNET

Though discussions may be up in the air, negotiators in Washington still hope to pass a new economic relief package to confront the recession caused by the ongoing coronavirus crisis. 

Both Republican and Democratic leaders have agreed on including a second stimulus check forthose who qualify, but remain a few trillion dollars apart in the aid they’d like to pledge. Complicating matters is a new, much smaller COVID relief bill from the GOP that is expected to address a subsection of the issues raised in the Republican HEALS Act and Democratic Heroes Act.

The HEALS Act and Heroes Act overlap in a few areas (like that second stimulus check), but are miles apart on other issues. Both build off the CARES Act, the original coronavirus-related legislation from March. We compare the main contents of each to help highlight how they compare. 

If negotiators can agree on the total cost of the package, that sum will shape where the funds go and how much support each project will receive. Here’s what we know about the proposals so far — we’ll update this story when and if a new bill is introduced.


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Stimulus Check Standoff



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CARES vs. Heroes vs. HEALS Acts: What’s the difference?

CARES (from March) Heroes (Democratic) HEALS (Republican)
Total cost of stimulus package $2.2 trillion $3 trillion $1 trillion
Stimulus check maximum payment amount $1,200 to single filers earning under $75K per year, $2,400 for joint filers under $125K. Reduced $5 per $100 of income above limits. Same as CARES. Same as CARES.
How much stimulus money you get for dependents $500 for dependents, 16 and under. College students, 24 and under, are not eligible. $1,200 for dependents, maximum of three. $500 for dependents, no age limit.
Enhanced unemployment benefit $600 per week in addition to state benefits. Same as CARES. Initially $200 per week. Then up to $500 per week to match 70% of lost wages when added to state benefits.
How long enhanced unemployment lasts Expires July 31. January 2021 for most workers, through March 2021 for gig workers, independent contractors, part-time workers and self-employed. $200 per week bonus through September. Then 70% matching of lost wages. Extends expiration of federal benefits until Dec. 31.
Paycheck Protection Program Allocated $659 billion total in forgivable loans for small businesses, who must use 75% on payroll to be eligible for forgiveness. $130 billion remains, but expires Aug. 8. Expands eligibility, eliminates 75% payroll requirement and extends application period to Dec. 31. Injects another $190 billion into the PPP fund, expands eligibility and allows businesses to request a second loan. Eliminates 75% payroll requirement and expands approved uses of funds for loan forgiveness.
Employee tax credit Tax credit on 50% of up to $10,000 in wages. Increases tax credit to 80% of up to $15,000 in wages. Increases tax credit to 65% of up to $30,000.
Bonus for employees who start new jobs or are rehired Does not address. Does not address. There could be a return-to-work bonus of up to $450 per week for unemployed workers who secure a new job or are rehired.
Eviction protections and moratorium Bans late fees until July 25 and evictions until Aug. 24 on properties backed by federal mortgage programs (Fannie Mae, etc.) or that receive federal funds (HUD, etc.). Expands to cover nearly all rental properties in the US, extends eviction moratorium an additional 12 months, allocates $200 billion for housing programs and another $100 billion for rental assistance. Does not address.
School reopening Does not address. $58 billion for grades K-12, $42 billion for higher education. $70 billion to K-12 that open for in-person classes, $29 billion for higher education, $1 billion to the Bureau of Indian Education, $5 billion state discretion.
Liability protection from coronavirus illness Does not address. Does not address. 5 year liability shield to prevent schools, businesses, hospitals, from being sued over coronavirus-related issues.
Coronavirus testing Does not address. Does not address. $16 billion.

source: cnet.com