[pingyong]

Hmm. A lot of businesses will get into big trouble over the coming weeks and potentially months. Bars, event organizers, even shopping malls. They're all going to go down to almost zero profit for a while.

The problem is if you just give people money right now, they literally can't spend it on those things because they are or will be closed during that time. Money isn't the reason they're not going, Corona is.

The money would be spent on things that are doing well now anyway (rent, food and netflix/videogames/etc.).

Maybe right now the focus should be on not making people homeless, but then giving people money after the crisis so they can spend it in the industries that are suffering right now.

[mtberatwork]

The workers at these establishments, especially those whose income is tied to tips, will certainly need this extra money for rent, food, etc.

[pingyong]

Some absolutely will. That's not really what I'm trying to argue against, people who would become homeless or starve should absolutely be helped.

However, a lot of people seem to be under the impression that this would boost the economy (because the idea is that almost everyone gets money so they can spend it instead of specifically helping with rent or food), which I don't think it will currently, or at least it won't in a meaningful way that helps the businesses who need it.

[WarChortle18]

Not yet but businesses are closed. So employees can't work and owners can't make money. Employees still have other bills to pay.

When the businesses open people could be so indebt they aren't able to start spending again quickly. The 1000 dollars won't boost the economy right now but will help recover faster when things start going back to normal.

[nathancahill]

> almost zero profit

Almost zero revenue. Negative profit.

[whatshisface]

There are going to be a lot of interesting conversations with landlords in the coming months. "If you make me pay rent, I won't be around when the crisis is over. If you let me off paying rent, I will get back in business and start paying rent again faster than any other way you could fill my space."

[elliekelly]

> Maybe right now the focus should be on not making people homeless

I think this is the primary motivator for providing money to all Americans. Many people on HN who are salaried and able to work from home might not be worried about making rent but many people who work hourly jobs aren't getting a paycheck this week.

[sershe]

Corona isn't the reason, the government response is. I'd like to keep reminding people of this denotation, even if you currently disagree with the connotations.