Sen. Cruz Highlights Relief Available to Hardworking Men & Women in CARES Act

HOUSTON, Texas - As COVID-19 continues to spread in communities across the country and a record 6.6 million Americans seek unemployment benefits, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called in to Lubbock's Chad Hasty Show and Houston's Sam Malone Show to discuss the immediate emergency relief that is on its way to individuals and families.

On the Chad Hasty Show, Sen. Cruz responded to the record breaking unemployment claims, saying:

"The economic damages we're seeing right now are catastrophic. We're facing two crises simultaneously. We've got a public health crisis, that is the coronavirus pandemic, and that is serious. We are working hard and we will defeat this crisis.

"But we've got simultaneously an economic crisis that is caused by the public health steps that government is taking to try to defeat the public health crisis. And you're looking at millions and millions of Americans that are out of work and people are hurting. We have never seen anything like it. We're looking at millions of small businesses that have seen their customers disappear that are on the verge of bankruptcy."

On the Sam Malone Show, Sen. Cruz discussed the provisions included in the CARES Act for hardworking Americans, such as one-time checks.

"[The CARES Act] has critical elements including checks to individuals all across Houston, all across America. So if you earn [$75,000] or less, you're going to get a check of $1,200. And you're going to get a check for $500 for every child. That's real relief for families who are hurting."

If you've lost your job or are unable to earn a paycheck as a result of COVID-19, how does the CARES Act help you?

The CARES Act:

Provides Immediate Cash Relief for American Families

• Every American earning under $75,000 ($112,500 for head of household) a year will receive a one-time check of $1,200.
• Every couple earning under $150,000 a year will receive a one-time check of $2,400, plus $500 per child.

Expands Access to Health Savings Accounts

• Allows the use of health savings accounts to cover telehealth and over the counter drugs without a prescription.

Supports Affected Workers

• Increases access to unemployment compensation for workers who would not generally be eligible for these benefits and raises the amount of benefits.
• Extends coverage to the self-employed, including independent contractors and gig workers, increases the duration of benefits to up to 39 weeks, and increases state-allowed compensation by $600 per week through July.

Importantly, the CARES Act empowers small business owners and job creators with the means to rehire their employees, keep them on payroll, and other expenses such as rent, interest, and utilities by providing $377 billion in emergency relief.

Earlier this week, Sen. Cruz appeared on Bloomberg TV and radio, Fox Business' Mornings with Maria, The Hugh Hewitt Show, and Dallas' The Mark Davis Show to discuss the provisions of the CARES Act.

CLICK HERE for more information on tools and resources available to small businesses and job creators.

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