What Economic Recovery Plans Are Available to People in the US?
- Author: Monica Jackson
- Posted: 2024-04-04
The American Rescue Plan Act passed in February 2011 has provided economic stimulus to help people get back on their feet. The plan accelerated the recovery process, made the economy more resilient, and prevented double-digit recessions in spring 2021. It has also been effective in addressing public health issues, preventing foreclosures and evictions, and helping small businesses stay open. These programs have made a significant difference in the recovery process and have strengthened long-term growth.
The United States has a high unemployment rate. According to the Census Bureau's latest report, millions of people in the U.S. were out of work in October. This is a record high, and the number of unemployed individuals is expected to rise to 17.9 million by November 2021. And these are not even the numbers that include the children. But these numbers are still shocking.
As the economy continues to recover, governments must take steps to protect existing businesses while also encouraging new investment. While some governments prioritize the preservation of existing businesses and fostering net new ones, others must focus on stimulating growth. In this case, direct capital injections can be provided through loans, grants, or investments. Public-private partnership structures can also be used to boost activity. Finally, foreign direct investment can also be encouraged or stemmed.
In addition to government aid, policymakers have implemented several recovery plans to assist people in the U.S. economy. Initially, these recovery plans were in the form of foreclosure moratoria, but they have since expanded to include financial assistance. The first step in establishing a new economy is ensuring that the US economy has the right skills to help people reskill. These are steps in the right direction, but many challenges remain.
While the outlook for the economy remains positive, the government must strike the right balance between helping the most vulnerable and improving productivity. Aiming to increase productivity, the government must also ensure that debt is kept at a manageable level. It is vital to remember that economic recovery plans should be individualized and tailored to the needs of the individual. If a plan isn't suited to a particular area, it will be useless for that sector.
In March 2021, the Rescue Plan was implemented, and the economy continued to add jobs. The percentage of adults with trouble covering their expenses fell sharply, but was flat in May and June, likely due to the fading stimulus effect. Meanwhile, other problems remained in the economy. Unemployment benefits were running out and prices were increasing. And it's unclear whether the Rescue Plan will work.