The current COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill that the Democrats are trying to push through the Senate has about as much of a chance of passing as Trump being impeached a second time…..oh wait, that actually happened. What I mean is it would have a snowball’s chance of hell in passing with the required 60 votes. But, the Dems, led by Bernie Sanders are threatening to use Reconciliation if they can not get to convince the Republicans to eat this big fat Pulled Pork Bill they have put together. Let’s be honest. This is not a COVID Relief Bill as much as a well disguised and named bill to convince the American public that they are taking care of us in a time of need. Let’s look at some of the hidden gems in this nearly $2.3 Trillion package.

Direct economic relief via stimulus checks of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year. $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, and an extra $600 for dependent children that are under 17 years old.

$15 billion in funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.

Provides $15 billion for airlines to support payrolls, $1 billion to Amtrak, with $655 million for the Northeast Corridor and $344 million for the national network, and $2 billion split between the motorcoach, school bus and ferry industries.

Provides $819 million to the Bureau of Indian Education-operated and funded schools and tribal colleges and universities.

$7 billion to expand broadband access for students, families and unemployed workers.

$1 billion in grants for tribal broadband programs.

Provides $10 billion in direct funding to the USPS without requiring repayment. These funds will be used for operational costs and other expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bernie Sanders said this as he pushes for Reconciliation which would only require a simple majority to pass the bill: “If Republicans want to work with us, they have better ideas on how to address those crises, that’s great, but to be honest with you, I have not yet heard that”

What he wants added is an increase in the Minimum Wage to $15, more money for schools to reopen, eviction relief and more. He is not being specific but is talking about the pain and fear inflicted on the US people by the pandemic and that means just getting the printing presses working overtime. This is how they are going to use these bills to push through all of their promises made during the elections and then some. As Chuck Schumer said: “Now we take Georgia, then we change the world”. That is what this is really about. Buckle up, this ride is going to get bumpy.