A $1.9 trillion package aimed at helping the country rebuild from the pandemic is moving through congress with House approval Friday and the Senate expected to take up the package this week. Retired Ripon College economist Paul Schoofs says the relief bill embodies President Joe Biden’s drive to flush cash to individuals, businesses, states and cities suffering from the pandemic with $1400 direct payments to many Americans and help for those out of work. Now, Democrats are also searching for a way to revive their drive to boost the minimum wage. Democratic progressives are adamant that the party keep trying to pass legislation that would boost the federal minimum wage to $15 hourly. The Senate parliamentarian says that provision must come out of the relief bill, so Democrats are discussing other steps.
