Sen. Brewster unveils coronavirus stimulus bill

State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) unveiled last week an outline of his economic recovery plan designed to fill gaps in the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus legislation, which was signed into public law on March 27.

Brewster is expected to introduce his state stimulus bill this week.

Under the federal plan, individuals making up to $75,000 and married couples making up to $150,000 annually would receive $1,200. Each child would receive $500. Individuals making more than $99,000 and couples making more than $198,000 would not receive payments. Those making an annual salary in-between those two figures would have reduced payments.

These funds should not be subject to state or local taxation, Brewster said.

“There are so many families struggling with job loss and economic dislocation as a result of the pandemic,” Brewster said. “The short-term goal must be to pay costs and jump start the economy once we’ve dealt with the serious health risk.”

Brewster’s bill includes plans for appointing a Pandemic Recovery Czar who would coordinate the distribution of funding specifically related to the pandemic; accelerating water, sewer, transportation, and community improvement projects; creating short-term bridge grants to help small businesses resume operation after the pandemic ends and cover near-term expenses; booster unemployment compensation; and expand or repurpose Pennsylvania’s bonding capacity.