The $2,000 payments would be sent to reloadable BOOST debit cards with $1,000 monthly payments for up to one year after the pandemic crisis ends.
Rashida Tlaib announced a week ago that she will reintroduce “Automatic BOOST to Communities” legislation that, if passed in Congress, would guarantee an initial stimulus check payment of $2,000 per individual and the same amount for dependents, plus $1,000 payments in subsequent months.
The measure known as the “ABC Act,” which was initially introduced by Tlaib and his colleague Pramila Jayapal last April, did not make it past the debate stage.
However, Tlaib will take up the measure in the current Legislature amid discussion joined by President Joe Biden for a third $1,400 stimulus check.
Purpose of the Measure
The legislation seeks to financially rescue the millions of Americans affected by the coronavirus pandemic for one year after the coronavirus crisis ends following the initial $2,000 payment.
“In response to the coronavirus crisis, the ‘Automatic BOOST to Communities Act’ will automatically provide every person in the United States with a prepaid debit card preloaded with $2,000. Each card will be reloaded with $1,000 per month for up to one year after the coronavirus crisis ends,” reads the bill introduced last year.
Who would be eligible?
The legislative text indicates that all Americans would be eligible for the assistance regardless of their immigration status.
“Noncitizens, including undocumented persons, permanent residents, and temporary visitors whose stay exceeds three months” would be included in the bill.
Individuals without a bank account, Social Security number or permanent mailing address would not be excluded from assistance.
The document does not specify income level as part of the eligibility requirements.
“To ensure that this program is as universal and comprehensive as possible, the Treasury Department will develop a list of eligible individuals in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Social Security Administration, the Federal Election Commission, and any other federal, state, and local government agencies, including the Departments of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicles at the state level,” the proposal states.
Money for dependents
Each dependent would receive the same monthly amount as the primary beneficiaries or caretakers.
For example, if a couple has two children, in the first check each family member would receive $2,000 for a total of $8,000 in the initial disbursement.
It is unclear whether the measure contemplates including adult dependents.
How would the money be distributed?
The funds would be distributed through prepaid BOOST cards administered by the Treasury Department.
The cards would be sent by postal mail, or will be picked up personally by the beneficiaries.
Also, payments will be distributed through outreach services in remote or at-risk communities that shelter the elderly, homeless, disabled, etc.
How will the program be funded?
ABC Act will be funded directly by the Treasury without issuing additional debt by minting two platinum coins worth $1 billion.
Digital Dollars
The proposal further envisions the possibility of using the infrastructure behind the debit card system to create a digital dollar wallet or digital currency system based on the U.S. dollar.