Stimulus Check: Here are the states sending money [Update]

Stimulus Check: Here are the states sending money [Update]

While there does not appear to be much momentum for additional or continued federal stimulus in Washington, D.C., some Americans are receiving stimulus from state governments as well as the unemployed.

A handful of states have provided (or plan to provide) bonuses to teachers and other key workers as a form of "hazard pay" to attract and retain people in these difficult jobs. In other states, additional funds are distributed to low-income and middle-class families. The following is an overview of who gets what and where.

Thanks to budget surpluses, nearly two-thirds of Californians receive relief known as Golden State Stimulus I and II. The total amount paid ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on eligibility and the amount paid.

California recently extended its stimulus package to middle-class families, and as of early September 2021, checks from this expansion are being sent.

Colorado residents who claimed unemployment benefits of $25 or more but less than $500 for any week between March 15, 2020 and October 24, 2020, also received a $375 temporary stimulus check. This program began last December and has now ended, so eligible individuals have already received this benefit.

Florida paramedics and educators are receiving a one-time $1,000 bonus using funds from the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan. The first installment will be paid to firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics, while the second installment will be paid to teachers and principals.

There was initial controversy over the payment plan, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said the payments are expected in mid-August.

Georgia educators and school employees earn a retention bonus of $500 (for part-time workers) or $1,000 (for full-time employees). Eligible employees include teachers, principals, mental health and medical professionals, and other support staff (custodians, bus drivers, media specialists, clerks, and administrative assistants).

Low-income Marylanders received either a $300 or $500 stimulus package earlier this year. To qualify, taxpayers had to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2019 state returns. Maryland also distributed $1,000 checks to those who had difficulty receiving unemployment benefits.

Michigan sent so-called hazard pay to teachers and school employees earlier this year. The checks were for $500 and $250, respectively. Eligibility was based on working 75% of the 2019-2020 school year, and employees of administrators, private schools, denominations, and parochial schools were not eligible.

In Detroit, local school districts are again providing teachers with hazard pay totaling $2,000 over the 2021-22 school year.

A handful of low-income families in New Mexico received a one-time $750 payment this summer as part of an emergency financial assistance program for those who did not receive their federal stimulus checks; more than 6,300 people applied for assistance, and 4,631 families were awarded.

The Tennessee legislature approved a $1,000 bonus for K-12 teachers in lieu of the originally proposed 2% raise.

A handful of school districts in Texas distribute raises and cash incentives to teachers and school staff.

The Fort Worth and Arlington school districts will receive a 4% raise, while the Denton and Mansfield school districts will receive an additional 2% raise. In addition, Denton faculty and staff receive a $500 retention bonus and Irving faculty and staff receive a $2,000 retention bonus.

Categories