Atlanta

‘I think we can do better’ Georgia lawmaker takes us inside negotiations over next round of stimulus

By Justin Wilfon, WSB-TV
By Justin Wilfon, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — As lawmakers continue to debate over a COVID-19 stimulus package they think is fair for all of us, they have passed one bill to avoid a government shutdown, but there is no deal yet on stimulus checks.

Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon spoke with Atlanta Rep. Kwanza Hall about where talks stand, and the chance for $600 stimulus checks.

He told Wilfon he’s still optimistic that a deal will be reached later in the weekend.

“We were told to be ready to stay through Sunday, maybe as late as into next week,” Hall said. “This is a time when everyone has to have a heart. We don’t need grinches who steal Christmas right now. We need everyone to kind of hold us together a little while longer.”

Hall, who is serving out the remainder of the late-Rep. John Lewis’ term in office, believes the new package will send stimulus checks to millions of Americans, but for a smaller amount than last time — likely $600.

“And you like the $600 checks that could be going to many Americans, but you think they should be bigger checks?” Wilfon asked Hall.

“Yes, we’ve found some money but it’s not big enough as far as I’m concerned. I think we can do better,” Hall said.

The stimulus could also include enhanced unemployment benefits, rental relief and small business loans. But it may not include any direct relief for the devastated restaurant industry.

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“That relief needs to be there. They’ve bared the greatest brunt of the pain,” Hall said.

Wilfon also spoke with Brian Maloof, owner of Manuel’s Tavern in Atlanta. He told Wilfon that restaurants need grants, not small business loans.

“Yes, absolutely. They should be grants. We’ve taken it on the chin as an industry,” Maloof said.

The Georgia Restaurant Association said about 30% of the state’s restaurants could close, unless more relief comes.

Maloof said Manuel’s has lost more than half their business.

“I think we have done everything the best that we can. We’ve cut every cost imaginable,” Maloof said. “But the math just doesn’t work.”

He said the restaurant was on the brink of closing until a customer launched a GoFundMe page, which raised a large amount of money.

Maloof worries the stimulus won’t provide other restaurants with the money they need too.

“Whatever new money that’s being talked about should be grants,” Maloof said.

Despite the debate over another stimulus, the city of Atlanta announced Friday their mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has extended several COVID-19-related executive orders that include eviction moratoriums through the end of March, and people’s water can’t be shut off because of non-payment through January.

City workers will keep getting hazard pay as well, but that will be on a month-to-month basis.

Government shutdown temporarily prevented, House passes stopgap resolution (NCD)

Cox Media Group

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