MLive: Stabenow, Peters sponsor bill seeking $500 coronavirus payments for older dependents

Michigan’s two U.S. senators have announced legislation that would make all dependents – including older children and adult dependents – count toward what a family receives in federal COVID-19 relief payments.

Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, and Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, are behind the bill, which aims to include dependents ages 17 and older in the coronavirus relief packages, according to a news release issued Saturday, April 4.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed into law March 27, is an economic stimulus payment that will provide taxpayers making below $75,000 with direct payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. The payments will phase out in value for people with incomes of over $75,000.

However, the relief package currently does not include payments for dependents older than 16, and those dependents aren’t eligible to claim the payment for themselves, either.

“Most Michigan residents will be receiving direct payments, but the law left behind 17- and 18-year-olds, college students, and other dependent adults,” Stabenow said in a released statement. “This is unfair to these people as well as their parents and caregivers. This new bill will make sure taxpayers receive the $500 payment for all their dependents.”

Stabenow and Peters introduced the All Dependents Count Act to expand the definition of a dependent that is qualified for the $500 payment to include dependent children over the age of 16, as well as any adult dependents.

“Michiganders are going through incredible hardships during this pandemic," Peters said in a statement. “I’m pleased to cosponsor this bill, which will ensure adults that have dependents they care for – including 17 and 18 year-olds, college students and those who are disabled – receive the much-needed support to help them get through this crisis.”

By: Melissa Frick
Source: MLive

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