Americans are continuing to wrestle with a struggling economy, huge unemployment numbers, and a coronavirus that continues to pick up steam. This year has hit American families hard, and the first Stimulus check back in April didn’t move the needle for many Americans who were being ravaged by furloughs, layoffs, and pay cuts.

With that said, the first stimulus check was welcomed with open arms as it provided cash for families to pay bills, purchase food, and buy a little time. But the Payment, $1200 for individuals and $500 per kid, was only a one-time event. The question on most people’s minds, is if and when there will be another stimulus check.

At this point, it seems like a second stimulus check is a near certainty. The scope and amount of the stimulus will be heavily debated in the senate in the weeks ahead. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has acknowledged that additional stimulus will likely be necessary, but has dismissed a bill that was approved by the house which would send out payments to most Americans. McConnell has noted that the largest areas of need are those that are making $40,000 or less, and it is possible that a second stimulus payment could target those families.

The proposal from coming out of the house, dubbed the “Heroes Act”, included another $1200 payment for all Americans making under $75,000 per year (or married couples making under $150,000). It also expanded the credit for children from $500 per child, up to $1200 per child. This is paired with an extension of federal unemployment benefits, which are set to expire in late July. However, this proposal is unlikely to ever be taken up by McConnell and the house, because of fundamental differences in approach.

The good news is that both houses of congress and the White House agree that a second round of direct payments to Americans is likely necessary. Stay tuned, as more information should be available in the weeks ahead.