Following three rounds of federal relief money disbursement since the pandemic started, residents in some American states are set to get a fourth stimulus check from their governor's office.
Despite an improving national economy, the Delta variant transmissions have created more economic distress in some states. Per Census data from July to August, more than 25 percent of Americans still struggle to make ends meet; thus, the state-initiated stimulus check will be a big help for families.
Leading in the stimulus check distribution is Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. The state has reportedly rolled out its second relief money, dubbed the Golden State Stimulus, as of the end of August 2021. The amount of $500 to $1,100, depending on the family's number of kids or their immigration status, will be automatically credited to California residents who filed their tax returns for 2020.
Round 2 of Golden State Stimulus checks start to go out this week!
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 27, 2021
2 out of 3 Californians are eligible for $600 or more -- we’re putting money directly back into the pockets of those that need it most. pic.twitter.com/G0ZIzVtagD
New York, New Mexico, Maryland, and Michigan
New York has set aside a $2.1 billion relief money meant for undocumented workers who could not qualify for the federal stimulus. Qualified residents for this benefit, known as the Excluded Workers Fund, should be able to prove that they had less than $26,000 in earnings in 2020 and have been living in New York before March 2020 to receive their stimulus checks.
Those eligible will be able to get $15,600/year (or $300 a week) for taxpayers or $3,200/year for non-taxpayers. Fund distribution has not yet started, but all states with their own relief money scheme are expected to use the funds by December 31.
New Mexico is distributing a similar stimulus check program for low-income earners who didn't receive the federal money. Over 4,000 families may get $750 in the coming months.
Maryland residents can count on a $300 to $500 stimulus check under the Earned Income Tax Credit. The rollout has started last August 31. On the other hand, Michigan has given $500 to public school teachers as hazard pay last February.
Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida
Georgia has also set aside stimulus check payments of $1,000 for full-time public school teachers and school administrators and $500 for part-time school workers. About 57,000 state employees earning less than $80,000 will also receive $1,000.
Teachers in Tennessee will also get one-time hazard pay for $1,000. The money will arrive via mail by the yearend.
Florida's stimulus check payment will go to educators, first responders, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. The state wants to recognize the sacrifices of these frontliners with a $1,000 relief money.
Recurring Stimulus Check Pushed
In March, senators from the Democratic party have supported a call to make recurring stimulus check payments possible until the pandemic crisis is completely over. They cited that 6 in 10 income earners said that previous payments, amounting to $1,400, only lasted families within three months.
However, the Biden administration has adopted the expanded child tax credit scheme under the American Rescue Plan for July to December 2021. Meanwhile, other workers have applied for expanded unemployment benefits, which will expire after September 6.
