Some 5.7 million California residents can expect an additional $600 stimulus check from the state of California after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $7.6 billion coronavirus relief package on Tuesday.
The one-time payments are being sent on top of the previously authorized $600 federal stimulus check that was passed by Congress back in December. The check is also not a part of the current legislation working its way through Congress, which also includes a proposed $1,400 stimulus payment for Americans who make under $75,000.
"The backbone of our economy is small business. We recognize the stress, the strain that so many small business have been under," Newsom said at a bill-signing ceremony on Tuesday. "And we recognize as well our responsibility to do more and to do better to help support these small businesses through this very difficult and trying time."
Most people will be able to get the $600 check by claiming the California earned income tax credit on their tax returns. Those include people who make $30,000 per year or less.
In addition to the stimulus payments, the legislation signed by Newsom also sets aside more than $2 billion in grants for struggling small businesses. Businesses with annual revenues between $1,000 and $2.5 million will be eligible for the money, with priority given to business owned by women and minorities and businesses in areas with high unemployment.
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