When states imposed stay-at-home orders and locked down businesses in the initial stages of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, retail sales fell 8.3 percent in March, and 14.7 percent in April (revised data). Then there was a rush by state’s to reopen in May, followed by Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Father’s Day weekends. … Read more
The $600-a-week federal supplement to unemployment benefits enacted under the CARES Act is scheduled to expire after July 31, barring an extension from Congress, which seems unlikely given Republican opposition. (States can only pay this enhanced benefit through the week ending on July 25 or July 26.) For many Americans who lost their job during … Read more
Update to U.S. is two weeks away from going off the economic cliff because of Senate Republicans. The Yellow Sheet, a sister publication of the Arizona Capitol Times, reported on July 10 (screenshot): “Scrappy-Doo,” Daniel Scarpinato from Governor Ducey’s office, is pushing back on this report according to the reporter, Jim Small. Patty Machelor at … Read more
Back in May, the House passes $3 trillion relief package – the Heroes Act – that the “Grim Reaper” of the Senate, “Moscow Mitch” McConnell, declared DOA in his legislative graveyard. “It is important to note that more than 80 percent of the priorities in the Heroes Act have been supported by the Republicans in the four … Read more