What 27 Special Interest Groups Said About the Stimulus Bill
The Covid-19 relief bill passed by the Senate on Saturday, a $1.9 trillion package modeled after a plan by President Biden, includes provisions favored by a range of industry and advocacy groups. Mr. Biden’s plan has also had broad support from the public.
Some groups who praised the package said even more aid would be necessary. Others expressed concern about the size of the bill, saying it should have been more narrowly targeted toward the greatest needs. Republicans in Congress, who overwhelmingly opposed the plan, were among those who cited concerns that such a large package could overheat the economy.
Praised the bill
Agriculture
National Farmers Union
Business
Airlines for America
Said the Payroll Support Program was vital to preserving airline jobs.
Business
National Association of Realtors
Business
National Restaurant Association
Called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund “an incredible step forward.”
Business
Small Business Majority
Civil rights
UnidosUS
Praised the bill for including Latinos “more fully than previous relief packages.”
Education
American Council on Education
Education
American Federation of Teachers
Education
National Education Association
Education
National School Boards Association
Health care
American Academy of Pediatrics
Praised funding for mental health services for children and adolescents added in the Senate.
Health care
National Nurses United
Favored Mr. Biden’s version of the bill, which included an increase to the minimum wage.
Labor
A.F.L.-C.I.O.
Local government
National Association of Counties
Local government
U.S. Conference of Mayors
Public transit
American Public Transportation Association
Retirees
A.A.R.P.
Said more would be needed
Agriculture
Feeding America
Called for maintaining increased food stamp benefits during the downturn and for more commodity purchases for food banks.
Business
The Main Street Alliance
Called for “a permanent, comprehensive, sustainable paid leave program.”
Business
U.S. Travel Association
Called for extending the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline and allowing a third draw on loans.
Health care
Association of American Medical Colleges
Called for additional relief for teaching hospitals, faculty physicians and research enterprises.
Nonprofits
National Council of Nonprofits
Called for extending the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline, expanding coverage of unemployment costs charged to nonprofits and expanding the charitable tax deduction.
Preferred smaller bill
Business
Business Roundtable
“The package should be more targeted to prioritize immediate public health needs and emergency economic assistance.”
Business
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Called for “more targeted” revisions, including for state and local direct aid.
Fiscal watchdog
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Said the package could be better targeted and called for limiting state and local direct aid and for removing “unrelated political objectives,” among other changes.