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People in Pittsburgh area say government needs to do more than just hand out $600

PITTSBURGH — Families who are struggling to stay afloat say the most recent round of stimulus checks is nice, but the government needs to do more.

“$600 is kind of an insult to the American people,” Edward Miller said. “People are going to have to choose between heat and a home or groceries and a home, and we shouldn’t be in that position at all.”

Miller said he’s doing all he can to provide for his family, but he’s in a tough spot. He had to leave his job due to underlying health conditions. Until he finds a new job where he can work remotely, he’ll make do with unemployment.

“We got behind on rent, and then we had to get out of that hole. Then our kids, they needed stuff. And one of my kids has autism, so she has pretty expensive needs,” Miller said.

Miller said he feels like the government has failed him.

“$2,000 would be a lot more, better than $600. My rent is $900. $600 doesn’t even cover my rent,” he said.

“It’s not enough funding,” Duquesne Mayor Nickole Nesby said.

Nesby said the payments are a start, but more needs to be done. She said in addition to businesses in her town closing their doors, including the only grocery store in town, families are also dealing with water shut-off notices.

“There were several individuals where water was terminated during the pandemic,” Nesby said.

She submitted a proposal to see if the city can qualify for a water residential assistance program.