Eighty million Americans are expected to receive their stimulus check this week. Alabama’s retail association is pushing for more stores to open back up. And the stock markets saw a small positive bump.

It’s a lot to keep up with. Here’s Alabama’s latest economic news -- good and bad. And a few things to know about how swiftly-changing national policies could affect you.

What you need to know tonight

National:

Eighty million Americans are expected to receive their stimulus check by tomorrow, according to Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The stimulus check will pay up to $1,200 for individuals who made $75,000 or less and up to $2,400 to households made $150,000 or less in the most recent tax filing between 2018 and 2019.

The government sent out the money for many Americans who had direct deposit set up on Friday but for most banks it will take at least a few days to clear thus the confidence that 80 million Americans will have it by Wednesday. If you don’t receive your stimulus check by the end of the week, the IRS is launching a “Get My Payment” tool on April 17 to help citizens track where their stimulus check is.

AL.com’s Bill Thornton recently solicited reader feedback on what people will do once they receive their stimulus check money. The answers ranged from paying past due bills to supporting local businesses to buying lottery tickets. You can read about the full gamut of responses here.

State:

The Alabama Retail Association is pushing for the state of Alabama to allow small retailers to open back up under the same restrictions as the big box stores like Walmart.

Patrick Brown, the president of the retail association, called for the small retail stores to open back up under the same social distancing and occupancy restrictions that the large retailers have endured since being deemed an essential business.

“This will diffuse consumers to more retailers, thus limiting crowds,” Brown said. “An added benefit is that this policy change will invigorate our local economies and keep retail employees employed.”

Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) recently called upon Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to consider letting businesses, like small retailers, open up before April 30th, according to the Alabama Daily News. Last week, Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced a subcommittee to look into when to reopen the state’s economy and that it’d report its findings to Ivey on April 17.

Market update:

Dow Open: 23,690.57

Dow Close: 23,949.76 (Up 2.36%)

In case you missed it:

What we’re watching

How many Americans actually receive their stimulus check on Wednesday, April 14, after the public proclamations that 80 million will get it.

Resources

Coronavirus in Alabama: How many infected; where to get tested; key information you need

Coronavirus in Alabama: How to help, how to get help

What happens if you lose your job due to coronavirus?

What to do if you can’t pay your bills

How much will I get from the coronavirus stimulus?

How do you apply for small business funds from the stimulus package?

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