Targeted relief

In the context of financial aid and unemployment benefits, Ben Shapiro discusses the concept of "targeted relief" in response to COVID-19. He argues that the current system of distributing unemployment benefits and stimulus checks isn't effectively targeted. Shapiro mentions that relief checks were given to people irrespective of their employment status during the pandemic, which he believes should have been based on unemployment status instead. This misallocation, according to Shapiro, resulted in unnecessary government spending and encouraged dependency on governmental aid 1.

In contrast, Joe Manchin defends the bill, asserting that it succeeded in targeting help to those who needed it the most, such as children, schools, and frontline workers. He emphasizes that the legislative process involved extensive negotiation to ensure the aid was directed appropriately 1.

This debate highlights the complexities in defining and implementing "targeted relief" during crises, with differing views on its effectiveness and methodology.