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Wyden: Stimulus Package Falls Far Short Of What’s Needed

Rachael McDonald
/
KLCC

The COVID-19 stimulus package that appears headed for passage in Congress falls far short of what’s needed, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.

Wyden said in a conference call with reporters Monday that the direct payments to taxpayers, as well as the enhanced unemployment benefits aren’t big enough to make a meaningful difference to families that are struggling with ongoing expenses.

“Everything I worked on was for a package that was at least twice this size,” he said.

The final version of the bill contains $600 for every adult and child in households earning up to $75,000 a year. The package also include an extra $300 a week in unemployment payments until March.

Lawmakers are expected to sign off on the measure as soon as Monday.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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