Stimulus plan should help only those who need it

The check isn’t in the mail, but almost. It seems increasingly likely that the federal government will be sending us checks as it works to kick-start the economy amid our ongoing pandemic. It is part of potentially $1 trillion stimulus package lawmakers are considering. Within weeks, they say, Americans could find checks from the federal government in their mailboxes totaling $1000 per person. That could go a long way in helping those who have lost their jobs or seen their hours reduced during this coronavirus pandemic. Servers and bartenders and small business owners still have rent payments to make. These are the people who need the help the most urgently. But not everyone has suffered financially, other than to watch our 401K’s whither. $500 billion is a lot of money. Congress should make sure this money goes to those who are hurting. In addition to the $1000 checks, the government could also send smaller checks, $300, to children. Do we need to give hundreds to children? And in six weeks after the checks are sent, the government could send another batch, worth just as much. It is good our government is willing to help those who have suffered financially during this crisis, but it makes sense that the checks go to those who need the help, not those who don’t.