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Federal Stimulus Breakdown | Your Pandemic Moment

Segment 1, beginning at 4:06: Stimulus checks are the tip of the iceberg that is the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

The relief package is historic and complex. It includes an extension of unemployment benefits, funding to public schools of all kinds, and child tax credits that will provide some American families with significant cash. Rachel Siegel of the Washington Post has been following this legislation and offered a broader view of what it will do.

Segment 2, beginning at 30:48: We asked listeners, "What was the moment when it became clear COVID-19 was going to change your life?" The responses were overwhelming.

March 7, 2021 marked one year since Johnson County, Kansas, recorded its first case of the coronavirus. But individually, we each have that point in time when COVID-19 became real for us. Listeners shared their moments.

Reporter Rachel Siegel is looking for people who may be overlooked to receive a stimulus check for reasons beyond their control (Ex: the IRS lost your 2019 tax return). If you are such a person and willing to share the details you can contact Rachel at rachel.siegel@washpost.com.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Steve Kraske is an associate teaching professor of journalism at UMKC, a political columnist for The Kansas City Star and has hosted "Up to Date" since 2002. He worked as the full-time political correspondent for The Star from 1994-2013 covering national, state and local campaigns. He also has covered the statehouses in Topeka and Jefferson City.
Zach Wilson
Chris Young