In
December,
NASW commended Congress and the White House for passing a $900 billion
economic relief package that will provide aid to individuals, families and
communities as COVID-19 continues to rage.
“This package delivers urgently needed help to
millions of Americans who continue to struggle due to the devastating fallout
from the pandemic,” said NASW CEO Angelo McClain.
The aid includes 10 weeks of jobless benefits and
a $300 weekly supplemental unemployment enhancement payment.
“We are disappointed that student loan debt relief
was not included in the package,” McClain said. “We are also disappointed that
only taxpayers and their dependents under 17 qualify for the direct payments.
This means that millions of adult dependents, including the elderly, disabled
and many high-school and college age students were excluded. We urge Congress
and the Biden Administration to include these and other provisions in future
relief packages."