WOWK – More money is likely coming from Washington, DC to the states for COVID-19 relief. Most everyone agrees that additional vaccines and testing supplies are badly needed – there are disputes over things such as unemployment extensions, and whether the benefit should be 300 or 600 dollars per week. And critics say only a small portion of the bill is actually COVID-19 related. Read the full article.
“About 10 percent of that covers the health issues and the other 90 percent is bloated with long-term spending. Whether it’s a bridge or whether it’s an underground railroad, whether it’s pension relief,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R) West Virginia.
Senator Capito says most Republicans favor a $300-dollar a week unemployment supplement, but she’ll support President Joe Biden’s $400 level. Most Democrats and some public policy advocates argue $600 dollars would be better.
“And getting those expansions on the unemployment benefits. They’re about to expire for about 30-thousand people. And the economy is not where it needs to be to see those things go away. So we need that level of support still,” said Sean O’Leary, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy.
