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How we spent our relief checks

May 20, 2020
Economists at four universities studied the spending habits of about 1,600 middle and low-income consumers who got $1,200 direct payments. The money was spent on necessities like rent and food.
People shop at a Los Angeles grocery store. Americans spent their stimulus checks on the essentials, like rent and groceries.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

What House Democrats have proposed for a new COVID-19 stimulus bill

The $3 trillion bill proposes another round of direct checks to Americans.
Both sides have their demands, but will Republicans and Democrats be forced by necessity to find a middle ground?
Graeme Jennings/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Some paper checks have already gone out, the IRS says, but others could take until June or July.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Treasury expects to borrow $3 trillion over next 3 months

That's almost triple what the Treasury borrowed in the 2019 accounting year.
The Treasury needs the money to pay for all of the new stimulus spending to keep the economy afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

How are you spending your $1,200 relief payment?

May 1, 2020
Americans are paying back friends, buying necessities, paying bills and giving to charity.
Some people are donating stimulus checks while others are using it for essentials.
Mario Tama/Getty Images