When the pandemic’s lockdowns and supply chain interruptions made a nasty dent in the American economy, Congress went to work passing a series of relief plans, including stimulus checks that put money directly back into Americans’ bank accounts. Stimulus checks of (up to) $1,200 to eligible adults went out in April 2020, and a second round of up to $600 came out between December 2020 and January 2021. President Biden then passed the American Rescue Plan, providing yet another $1,400.

                By                    Jordan Rosenfeld

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While occasional stimulus money won’t solve most people’s economic woes — they tend to make the biggest difference to people with less than $500 in their checking account, U.C. Davis found — they do stimulate the economy.

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In addition to stimulus checks, 19 states are offering relief in the form of tax refunds for the remainder of 2022. These payments range from $50 (Illinois) to $3,200 (Alaska) but vary from state to state.

Here’s some insight into why people may be for or against receiving more stimulus money in the new year.

Almost a Quarter of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck

Those most stressed about money were Gen Xers (in the 45-54 age bracket), of whom 28% reported living paycheck to paycheck. But close behind them (25%) were younger millennials, aged 25-34, and adult Gen Zers (24%), aged 18-24.

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Why Are 22% Against Inflation Relief Checks?

It’s hard to say specifically why some people would be opposed to free money, but it may have less to do with their personal finances and come instead from a more economical view: that large amounts of cash infused into the economy actually lead to inflation down the line.

Given how high inflation has become of late, perhaps these people feel that they were correct in their concerns. Additionally, stimulus checks tend to benefit low-income people more than any other economic group, so those not in this category may be less concerned with receiving money from the government.

While the worst economic effects of the pandemic may be over, the future remains uncertain. With the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow inflation, hard times may still abound, and there’s always the chance for more stimulus in 2023.

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