POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

COVID-19 stimulus bill bringing billions to the state and Utahns

Mar 11, 2021, 6:27 PM

stimulus check...

(Photo: U.S. Secret Service via CNN)

(Photo: U.S. Secret Service via CNN)

SALT LAKE CITY– The state and Utahns are raking in billions of dollars following the approval of the  American Rescue Plan, or more commonly known as the COVID-19 stimulus bill. 

Stimulus bill signed Thursday 

The House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package Wednesday that includes a $1,400 stimulus check to Americans and extends unemployment benefits. As heard on KSL News Radio Thursday, President Joe Biden has signed the massive COVID-19 relief bill into law. 
 
The House passed the bill in a vote of 220 to 211, with only one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voting against the measure. There were no Republican votes in support of the American Rescue Plan. 
 
Utah Representative Blake Moore voted against the bill. Moore told KSL NewsRadio’s Lee Lonsberry there were items in the bill that he could have worked with Democrats on but the bill passed without any Republican support. 
 
Utah’s congressional delegation all voted against the stimulus bill citing the program’s cost, breadth, and lack of bipartisanship in crafting the bill. However, KSL TV’s Dave McCann explained what the stimulus bill will bring to Utah. 

Stimulus bill to benefit Utah

Utahns are expected to benefit significantly from the bill. The massive American Rescue Plan will direct an estimated $7-8 billion to Utah, said Phil Dean, public finance senior research fellow at the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

Dean reported the biggest chunk of the billions will be from the $1,400 checks, which 85% of Utahns will see. McCann pointed out Utah has the nation’s youngest population and highest fertility rates, which means many Utahns will benefit from the expanded child tax credits.

This is what Utah can expect from the American Rescue Plan:

Direct payments

The legislation will grant $1,400 direct payments to individuals making under $75,000 and $2,800 to married couples who make less than $150,000. Individuals making up to $80,000 and joint filers up to $160,000 will get some money but not the full amount. The direct cash includes up to $1,400 per dependent, including adult dependents.

If you filed taxes by direct deposit, the $1,400 stimulus check and child tax credits should go right into your bank account. If you don’t, they should come to you by mail. Both versions will come from the IRS. 

Child tax credit

According to the bill, these payments should begin in July and would expand the annual child tax credit to $3,600 for children up to age 5 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17.

Most experts expect the payments to be monthly, though that hasn’t been finalized. You will also get credit for January through June, but most likely that will be in the form of a tax credit when you file a return next year.

Unemployment

The bill provides $300 a week in enhanced jobless benefits through Sept. 6.

If you are currently on unemployment, the continuation of the extra $300 should continue automatically as long as you keep reporting your status.

Childcare tax credit and earned income tax credit

These are credits, meaning if you are eligible you will get the full amount, but that will also come with next year’s tax return. These increased credits are just in place for 2021, though Democrats have been clear they want to make them permanent afterward.

Paycheck protection loan

Howard Headlee with the Utah Bankers Association emphasized that the loan applications will now be judged by the amount of revenue lost because of COVID-19 rather than the amount of income lost.

Utahns eligibility for the stimulus relief package

Utah has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than most states. Dean reported Utah is not back to “normal,” however, the employment levels are back in the range of pre-pandemic employment. 

“This is one of the interesting issues we face here in the state,” he said. “By and large, we’re doing much better than the nation, and we’re getting all of this fiscal stimulus dumped into the Utah economy.”

Eligibility for all of this money is based on income thresholds that vary. The $1,400 checks phase out quickly after an individual makes $75,000, the head of the household makes $112,000, and a married couple makes $150,000.

The child tax credits start to phase out at the same points, but will be far more gradual.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Politics + Government

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

Migrants seeking asylum in the US look through the border wall as volunteers offer assistance on th...

Nouran Salahieh

End of Title 42 policy brings fewer migrants than expected

Southern border communities report fewer migrants, but concerns remain about overcrowded processing and detention facilities.

11 months ago

President Joe Biden looks on during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Whit...

Maegan Vazquez

Biden facing political pressures from both parties over handling of migration challenge

  (CNN) — President Joe Biden is coming under sustained pressure from both sides of the aisle over the administration’s handling of the expiration of Title 42, the controversial Trump-era pandemic public health restriction that became a key tool to turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border. Title 42 was a public health order established early on in the pandemic with […]

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

Migrants stand near the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo river...

Dakin Andone and Priscilla Alvarez, CNN

Title 42 has expired. Here’s what happens next

The new asylum rule is already facing a legal challenge as the ACLU and other immigrant advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.

11 months ago

Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George...

Fredreka Schouten

Private equity investor identified as political contributor allegedly duped by George Santos

(CNN) — Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George Santos induced to donate money as part of an alleged scheme that diverted purported political contributions to Santos’ personal use, Intrater’s lawyer confirmed to CNN on Thursday. In a 13-count indictment made public Wednesday, prosecutors alleged that Santos and an […]

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

COVID-19 stimulus bill bringing billions to the state and Utahns