In the U.S., a staggering 75% of workers were living paycheck to paycheck as of 2017, just scraping by. While many managed to keep food on the table, they still faced challenges when it came to covering unexpected expenses, like a $250 dentist visit or a car repair. According to Bankrate’s 2019 Financial Security Index, nearly 30% of Americans had no savings, and about 25% couldn’t support themselves for three months without income. This was already a critical issue before the pandemic hit.
Now, the situation has worsened. With job losses and economic instability, a shocking number of families are living in poverty. Research from Columbia University indicates that since May, 8 million more individuals have fallen into poverty. The CARES Act did initially lift 18 million people above the poverty line in April, but that relief was short-lived; by late summer, only around 4 million remained above that threshold after the $600 weekly unemployment benefit expired.
While the CARES Act provided some help, many families were left out, including my own. We haven’t received a stimulus check due to an absurd technicality regarding my partner’s social security status, which unfairly labels her as an immigrant despite being a taxpaying citizen. This discrimination highlights a troubling reality: not all families are treated equally in America. The rise in poverty has disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic communities, as well as children.
For those who didn’t earn enough to file taxes, accessing stimulus payments required navigating a complicated IRS portal, adding to the stress of their already overwhelming situations. As noted in an op-ed in The Hill, conditioning aid on employment status means that essential workers—those risking their lives to keep services running—often receive little to no support. In New York City, for instance, around 24% of frontline workers live below the poverty line, and many are immigrants or non-citizens who are entirely ineligible for assistance.
Where is our leadership during this crisis? The promise to “make America great again” rings hollow as millions live below the poverty line, which is set at $26,200 for a family of four in the continental U.S. How is anyone expected to survive on such a meager income?
The mixed signals and indecisiveness from leaders are alarming, especially with over 40 million individuals reliant on immediate support. A recent article in The New York Times highlights that the government is unprepared to address these growing economic burdens. Even as the job market shows signs of recovery, the rise in poverty indicates that recovery efforts have been too slow. With layoffs and a surge in COVID-19 cases, the economy is stalling, and negotiations for new stimulus packages have come to a standstill.
It seems that those in power have little understanding of the struggles faced by the average American. They are disconnected from the reality of hunger, the anxiety of medical bills, and the grim reality of living in shelters. The CARES Act, which offered a one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, is merely a temporary fix that doesn’t provide ongoing support. Where are the comprehensive solutions that American families truly need? The current deadlock is unacceptable.
The Democratic House has proposed multitrillion-dollar financial aid packages twice, only to be met with resistance from the Republican Senate, which favors smaller plans. The inconsistency from Trump—from canceling stimulus talks to suggesting expansive aid—demonstrates a lack of genuine concern for the people affected by these decisions. Now, with Congress adjourned until November 9 without passing any new aid, families are left in limbo.
The CARES Act is nothing more than a temporary Band-Aid over a much larger issue, and the government’s slow response is leaving many to suffer.
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Summary:
American families are facing unprecedented financial challenges during the pandemic, with many living in poverty and lacking essential assistance. The government’s inadequate response and lack of empathy from leaders exacerbate these struggles, leaving millions without the necessary support to survive. The temporary relief provided by the CARES Act is insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for more substantial and sustainable solutions.