The bill hasn’t been published still, but I think it is something like this:
The plan’s provisions are very simple. Adults would get $1,200 each and children $500 each. At higher incomes, the checks would get smaller: The benefit would start decreasing at a rate of $5 for every additional $100 in income. The phaseout starts at $75,000 in adjusted gross income for singles, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly; it would phase out entirely by $99,000 for singles and $198,000 for couples (with no children).
Yes, I think Trump's overly optimistic "hope" of things being back to normal by Easter was just that "overly optimistic." But, that's his nature. He's a winner and thinks in the positive. Not too different than a coach who believes in his team... "I think we can reach the Final Four this year." Most fans, pundits then look at the team and think, "ah, good luck coach. Maybe, but it's a long shot for sure." Trump is a glass half-full guy.
I do think it is POSSIBLE that some parts of the economy can reopen and especially in the least risky regions of the country...mostly the red states in the middle of the country.
And researchers are learning more and more about C-19 and there is some encouraging news. But, there is some warnings as well...a second wave is possible. Watch Wuhan, China, provided we can get any news out of there. Experts on viral epidemics are warning infections will resurface and there will be another brush with an outbreak. So, even if things are looking up here in a couple of weeks, we should be mindful of a possible second wave.
I believe by Easter we will know where we stand and see the end of all this. Just that will give us a spark to begin easing back into things. I don't expect public schools to start back up or even church services by that point, but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel will get things going again. It's not a switch that can just be turned back on like the Trump haters wanted to hear in his "hope" statement.
Except for the obvious places of business, like restuarants, life (business) is continuing as normal. I met with two of my contractors yesterday, and yes, we tried to stay 6 feet apart...for the most part. It's being taken seriously, but with a light-hearted twist on it. No sense worrying yourself to death. Service-based businesses are still operating pretty much as usual. Today I have to meet, briefly, with another contractor and I have appointments with two clients. We will take sensible precautions.
The other day I saw one retail store open on Front Street, Natchitoches. But the owners were doing maintenance and some remodeling. I popped in and chatted with them briefly. They have been wanting to remodel their store for 10 years but have always been so busy they couldn't afford to close down. Well now...perfect!
I see commerce happening but there is simply less, much less, of the retail variety. Business to business and wholesale operations are continuing as usual.
Packed churches for Easter is a dangerously bad idea.
"We're opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter," Trump said.
"I would love to have that. It's such an important day for other reasons, but I'd love to make it an important day for this. I would love to have the country opened up, and rarin' to go by Easter."
In a second interview with Fox that aired Tuesday afternoon, Trump said he offered the holiday as a deadline because "Easter's a very special day for me."
"Wouldn't it be great to have all the churches full?" Trump asked. "You'll have packed churches all over our country … I think it'll be a beautiful time."
I would love that too. It won't happen, but I would love it. I've said before, I think he's left himself sufficient wiggle room on this if he can restrain his base instincts and follow the advice of the experts when the time comes.
Interesting that Easter is so special for a guy that says he's never asked for forgiveness...why would Easter be special?
Time is your friend. Impulse is your enemy. -John Bogle