Use stimulus to stimulate local business, causes
Editorial
Members of the Courier Sentinel editorial board include publisher Carol O’Leary, general manager Kris O’Leary and Star News editor Brian Wilson.
One of the major criticisms of the latest round of federal stimulus payments, is that the aid is not as targeted as it should be, with everyone under the income threshold getting money, whether they need it or not.
It is a fair criticism to make, since the pandemic has not impacted all areas the same. While some areas have seen job losses and businesses shuttered, others have fared better or have even thrived.
Northern Wisconsin has been spared some of the worst of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, simply because with a smaller population and workforce demographic, the region does not have as many “non-essential” positions as much more urban areas.
This is not to say that the area has been entirely spared. Local businesses continue to suffer with lack of foot traffi c, community events have been canceled or scaled back, and people continue to be worried about what the future will bring.
While there are plenty of people who are vocal in their criticism of getting a stimulus check, most will happily bank the money to pay off their Christmas bills, heating expenses or put toward the property taxes that come due at the end of January. For those who need the boost, the extra cash in the bank will be a major help.
For those who don’t have an immediate need for the money, consider using it to boost your community, by donating it to a worthy cause.
Civic organizations rely on community fundraisers and events to raise money for things like scholarships. With so many events canceled in the past year, the budgets of these organizations are hurting. This puts scholarships and ongoing programs in jeopardy. Consider donating to these worthy causes.
Other ways to help, are to give to organizations that assist those facing food or housing insecurity, either locally or to places more impacted by the pandemic. For those who don’t want it, there is also the option of simply giving it back to the federal government, which has a separate fund that was set up in 1843, with contributions used to pay down the nation’s debt.
In fiscal year 2020, which ended in October, about $1.6 million was donated to the federal government this way.
Another way to help the community, is to be sure to spend the stimulus money at local businesses. Use the extra money to buy a piece of artwork from a local artist, or splurge and buy something special from a local business. If you don’t feel comfortable dining, get take-out from your favorite local restaurant or buy gift certificates from them to show your support later, when things return to normal.
A concerted effort to spend stimulus dollars in local communities, will provide a much-needed boost for local businesses and organizations.
