New $1,000 stimulus checks could go out to essential workers under proposal

HUNDREDS of thousands of workers could be getting themselves another round of stimulus payments.

In Oregon, Democratic lawmakers are said to be “reviving” a proposal that would provide essential employees with a $1,000 stimulus check.

It'd help residents who worked during the heights of the pandemic, reports Oregon Live.

Should it become law, the following workers would be eligible:

• Worked in medium to high-risk jobs
• Worked at least 20 hours per week in-person from April 2020 to December 2020
• Made less than $22 per hour ($42,900 a year)
• Did not receive a bonus or hazard pay for working amid the pandemic

An initial analysis estimates at least 230,000 workers would be eligible – but Portland representative Andrea Valderrama said lawmakers are still seeking clarification from the Oregon Employment Department on how many would qualify.

She said: "In these circumstances where they were asked to show up on the lines, where we called them heroes, our low-wage workers, the hardest hit, did not receive additional compensation or hazard pay for showing up to these jobs.

“This bill solves that by providing a one-time appreciation payment to some of our lowest wage workers in the highest risk places."

Last time around in the spring, Oregon lawmakers flirted with legalization that aimed to send up to $2,000 stimulus payments to essential workers and give $1,200 to unemployed residents who returned to work.

But funding this time around can support up to $1,000 worth of payments by using funds under the American Rescue Act, according to Mrs Valderrama.

The stimulus payments would be distributed under the Oregon Worker Relief Fund.

Although not yet confirmed, the move would make Oregon the latest state to implement a stimulus program.

States that have been sending out stimulus checks to their residents include California, Maine, Maryland, and Seattle.

Also, Illinois lawmakers proposed stimulus payments worth up to $400 in November.

We explain three scenarios when there might be a fourth round of federal stimulus.

If you’re still owed a stimulus check, we explain when you’ll get yours.

Plus, see which states and cities are offering universal basic income.