What the $1.9 trillion stimulus deal would mean for Long Island

Senate Democrats are trying to firm up support for President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan. Earlier this week, it was decided that $1,400 stimulus checks will be capped for certain incomes.
Under the new plan, no money would be given to individuals earning $80,000 or more, or couples earning $160,000 or more. Under the previous plan, the income limits were $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples.
The plan would lower the overall price tag of the stimulus plan, something Robert from Dix Hills is happy about.
“I think they're spending too much. I'm very concerned about my children and my grandchildren. They're going to be hit with an enormous debt,” he says.
Matt from Centereach says with Long Island's high cost of living, even someone making $100,000 needs help right now.
“I agree there shouldn't be pork politics as far as the stimulus bill, but don't screw us,” he says.
Economic analyst Marty Cantor told News 12 that the stimulus is “not going to have that major of an impact to the middle class of Long Island.” He says just as important as who gets the money is that whoever gets it, spends it and not saves it.
“It's called a stimulus bill for a reason. You want to spend it. You want to spend it in restaurants, clothes stores, retail. You want it to circulate in the economy, that's why you're getting the money, not just to put it in your bank account,” he says.
The income limit was the second change that Biden agreed to – needing every vote he can get in a split Senate.  The first was dropping a proposal to raise the national minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The House already passed the stimulus plan with the old income limits. If the Senate passes a different version, the measure goes to a conference committee and each side must agree on a single version.