As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, with surges in cases spread across the entire country, so too rages the widespread job loss. Recent data show that just over half of American have a job right now. The impact on small businesses across the nation, not only from shutdowns but from lack of consumer funds to put back in the economy, looks grim.

According to the last full week of data, slightly fewer Americans who were employed pre-pandemic report working as usual, with more indicating they’re not working and not getting paid.

What’s more is a larger percentage of Americans polled are getting worried about their job security again as the pandemic wears on.

Taking it even further, the overall economic outlook of American consumers took a turn for the worse after showing a slight glimmer of hope. 

This brings us to ongoing calls for additional stimulus cash for Americans.

These calls seem to be getting closer to reality. And, to no surprise after looking at the above data, new CivicScience data from early July show the large majority of Americans (67%) think one is needed. 

It’s worth nothing that 14% of Americans aren’t sure if a second stimulus payment to qualifying Americans is warranted or not.

It won’t come as a shock that those who have experienced coronavirus-related job loss are more likely to support a second stimulus check than those who are still working and getting paid.

However, a bit more interesting is those who know someone who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus are more likely to support such a measure than those who do not have that direct experience.

It makes sense the more you think about it: those who know someone who has had a COVID diagnosis observe the direct impact it has on the ability to work, provide for a family or loved one, and the bills associated with the illness. Among other concerns, money is needed right now.

The only age group that really under indexes on the second stimulus support front are those in the 18-24 cohort. This is likely because the majority of these folks were claimed as a dependent last tax year, potentially making them ineligible for payments. Still, there’s wide support across all other generations.

Congress is inching closer to making a new round of stimulus a reality with many different proposals on the table. CivicScience will examine support for the specific stimulus amount / package, if and when it is passed.