McAdams asks Treasury to send stimulus check to more Americans
Apr 1, 2020, 5:05 PM
On Wednesday, Congressman Ben McAdams called on the IRS and the Treasury Department to reconsider to whom they will send CAREs Act stimulus checks. Earlier in the week, the IRS indicated that anybody that didn't file a tax return will not receive the stimulus money.
SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, says more Americans should receive a stimulus check under the CAREs Act than currently promised by the IRS.
Specifically, the West Jordan congressman means senior citizens and others who receive Social Security, but do not file an annual tax return with the Treasury Department.
Who gets the money?
On Monday, the Internal Revenue Service said stimulus checks would go out in the next three weeks, with a caveat. The IRS said that only those people who file tax returns will be eligible for the money.
READ MORE: Ben McAdams discharged from hospital after battle with coronavirus
“The IRS announcement that many seniors, disabled veterans, and Social Security beneficiaries are required to file a simplified tax return to receive the economic impact payments is government bureaucracy at its worst,” said McAdams in a statement.
“The CARES Act is designed to deliver immediate help to Americans, especially those such as vulnerable seniors,” McAdams said. “It is wrong for the IRS to create unnecessary hurdles for these individuals.
McAdams: stimulus should be for all
On March 27, the House of Representatives passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act by a voice vote and President Trump signed the bill into law. It modified earlier versions of the same act. Lawmakers intended the CAREs Act to help ease the economic fallout accompanying the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE: Q&A: How can the coronavirus aid package help you?
McAdams questioned the IRS’ decision to require a tax return to get stimulus funds. He said that the agency can and should coordinate with the Social Security Administration to assure correct and prompt payment.
“I call on these government agencies to work together to uphold the intent of the CARES Act,” McAdams said, “by getting the economic impact checks out immediately without imposing unnecessary requirements.”
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
People get COVID-19 coronavirus infection from person-to-person transmission. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
