Although an official fourth stimulus check from the federal government might seem unlikely at this point, states are doing their own part in making sure federal stimulus money gets distributed. As part of the American Rescue Plan stimulus relief bill, states were allotted over $200 billion dollars to spend towards their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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States have until the end of 2021 to give their money out, and Governors have already begun doling out cash where they feel their states need it the most.
State Stimulus Checks
Certain residents of the following states might be eligible for stimulus money.
California
California is currently the only state to have sent out a type of “stimulus” check with its own money. California has a state budget surplus, largely due to its unique tax system. California has a progressive income tax schedule, meaning that the more you make, the more you pay in taxes. This, plus thrifty budgeting, provided enough money for actual checks in the amount of $500 or $600 to residents earning between $30,000 and $75,000 per year. This is in addition to $500 to be paid to households with dependent children.
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Colorado
Colorado is sending $375 to those who received at least one unemployment payment between March 15, 2020 and Oct. 24, 2020. Higher-income workers who qualified for more than $500 per week in base unemployment benefits are not eligible, CPR News reported.
Maryland
Maryland passed legislation several months ago to repeal all state and local taxes on unemployment benefits and included immediate stimulus payments of $500 for families and $300 for individuals who filed for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
See: Stimulus Update — New Bill Proposes Expansion of Worker Benefits on the Heels of Child Tax Credits and COVID Relief Checks
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New Mexico
New Mexico’s state stimulus program has earmarked $5 million to be distributed to New Mexicans who didn’t qualify for federal stimulus payments, KRQE reported.
Federal Funding — Retention Bonuses
Several states have decided to use some of the federal money as retention bonuses for their teachers, as most schools are expected to open in-person this year, AS reported. The bonuses also acts as a “thank you” for the particularly rough school year most teachers had to endure.