Plan to slash $600 lifeline threatens misery for millions of Americans

Plan to slash $600 lifeline threatens misery for millions of Americans

For millions of unemployed Americans dealing with the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression a $600 payment each week from the government has been a vital lifeline, allowing them to keep their homes and put food on the table despite losing their jobs.

But now many of those hit hard by the economic disaster caused by the coronavirus pandemic are bracing for a steep drop in income this week as Republican party infighting delays a replacement for an expansion to weekly unemployment benefits, meaning many could have that vital lifeline cut or taken away.

The Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, said on Wednesday that the Democrats' proposal to continue the program, which expires on Friday, through the end of the year was "completely unhinged“, while members of his own party criticized its proposed replacement.

Hanging in the balance of these 11th-hour negotiations are the financial livelihoods of 30 million unemployed Americans and their families, many of whom have struggled to get timely, accurate payments because of the country's archaic unemployment infrastructure.

Jamie, a 68-year-old pilates instructor in Florida, immediately filed for unemployment when she lost her job in the first week of March. For six weeks, the unemployment office didn't acknowledge her application