$908 Billion COVID-19 Bill-Can We Do More?

The proposal is offered as a bi-partisan initiative to shore up funding support for a prolonged pandemic fall out. The package appears to be designed to be a slimmed down version to gain the support needed to get it passed. We are running out of time before previous packages are coming to a close and a new package would be needed if we are going to take an approach to propping the economy.

We may want to consider a second package focused on building competitive capacity.

What I do see in the information available is that it appears to be a couple of different facets to this basic plan that includes developing some infrastructure capacity, relief to individuals, and business liquidity.  Democrats and Republicans don't appear to get exactly what they want but could possible accept as a compromise.

The package appears to be about helping the economy stay a float and minimize hardship to small business and people. I'm not seeing the package as a method of advancing the economy. There are some components to transportation and Internet access. Appears to be main street and small business focused. 

What I would like to see would be a second package focused more on building our competitive capacity which will pay a return on those investments over the next few decades. Such a package would move more into developing businesses, improving the international investment climate of cities, pushing innovation climate, developing our data and export infrastructure, as well as improving human capital through university-industry partnerships. 

$908 billion proposal includes.... 

$288 billion in small business aid Paycheck Protection Program loans,
$160 billion in state/local government relief,
$180 billion to fund a $300 per week supplemental unemployment benefit lasting until March,
$16 billion into vaccine distribution, testing and contact tracing, funnel
$82 billion into education, $45 Billion Transportation.
$35 billion Healthcare provider relief fund:
$82 billion Education
$4 billion Student loans
$25 billion Housing assistance
$26 billion Nutrition/Agriculture
$10 billion U.S. Postal Service
$10 billion Child care
$10 billion Broadband
$5 billion Opioid treatment

You can take a look HERE at the list.