Senator Kamala Harris is making the case for Congress to adopt her priorities for the next stimulus ... [+]
Senator Kamala Harris is making the case for Congress to adopt her priorities for the next stimulus package, including $2,000 monthly stimulus checks and student loan forgiveness.
Last night, Harris—who is a top Democratic vice presidential contender—joined Joy Reid on her new show, The ReidOut, and pitched former Vice President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan for economic recovery and racial equality. Harris specifically highlighted the part of his plan that includes broad $10,000 student loan forgiveness for borrowers with federal student loans due to the coronavirus.
Senator Harris also spoke to Biden’s proposal to make public colleges and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—even private HBCUs—tuition-free for families making up to $125,000 annually.
Last week, Harris joined other Democratic Senators in calling for the next stimulus package to include a fix to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that would make it easier for borrowers to benefit from the program. The senators cited the many essential workers who are also working in public service and would be eligible for the program.
Senator Harris is also asking for more direct cash payments to Americans. Her bill with Senators Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey would provide $2,000 stimulus checks and make them monthly. Individuals would also receive $2,000 per dependent, up to $6,000.
The last stimulus check was just a one-time payment of up to $1,200 per individual and $500 per dependent. For those making more than $75,000 annually, that amount was reduced. Senate Republicans have proposed another round of stimulus checks very similar to the first one.
Harris has also proposed the Rent Emergencies Leave Impacts on Evicted Families (RELIEF) Act that would ban evictions and foreclosures for a year to protect renters and homeowners as they weather the economic crisis. She has introduced additional legislation to shield Americans from having their utilities shut off during the emergency.
Related Readings:
What The Coronavirus Stimulus Means For Your Student Loans
The CARES Act Helps Most Student Borrowers Seeking Loan Forgiveness
Student Loan Payments Are Due Again In 100 Days
