[nathanaldensr]

The Fed could drop a bag with a million freshly-printed FRNs in it on my doorstep, and I'd simply take the bag and put it in my bedroom. A significant number of people aren't going to spend the money no matter how much it is.

[danaris]

Just due to being on HN, you're statistically likely to be someone who has plenty of savings already.

Most of America does not.

If people are getting laid off en-masse, the majority of those people will, within a few weeks, not have enough money to afford basic necessities. Giving each of them $1k/month would soften the blow considerably.

Giving them $3k/month would, for most of them, get them back close to where they were before the layoff, and keep the economy functioning.

[mooreds]

Hmm. I am not sure one can have it both ways. Either most people will save a government handout, or most people live paycheck to paycheck and will be severely affected by losing their job/an economic slowdown.

Of course there will be some people who will immediately save any check from the government, but that's a disjoint set from the people who are in dire need (laid off or reduced hours).