Congress has still not come to an agreement on a new COVID-19 relief package. (As I wrote last week, Washington is hoping for new federal funds to help address the state budget problem.)

In the meantime, on Saturday, President Trump signed four executive orders that are meant to provide some relief (though not for state and local governments).

Unemployment Insurance: The first order notes that $80 billion of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF, the $150 billion appropriated for state and local governments in the CARES Act) remains unspent and that $70 billion from the Disaster Relief Fund is also still available. (Note that although CRF funds may be unspent, many of those dollars have been allocated.)

The order directs $44 billion from the Disaster Relief Fund to be used “for lost wages assistance to eligible claimants.” (States would have a 25 percent cost share for these funds.) The assistance is to be administered through state unemployment insurance systems. Benefits would total $400 per week ($100 provided by the state) for claimants beginning with the week ending August 1, 2020.

Additionally, the order asks “States to use amounts allocated to them out of the CRF, or other State funding, to provide temporary enhanced financial support to those whose jobs or wages have been adversely affected by COVID-19.”

Payroll Tax Deferral: The second order directs the U.S. Treasury to defer federal payroll taxes on wages paid Sept. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020. This would only apply to employees whose bi-weekly wages or compensation is generally less than $4,000. Further, “The Secretary of the Treasury shall explore avenues, including legislation, to eliminate the obligation to pay the taxes deferred.”

According to the order, “This modest, targeted action will put money directly in the pockets of American workers and generate additional incentives for work and employment, right when the money is needed most.”

Assistance for Renters and Homeowners: The third order directs federal agencies to “review all existing authorities and resources that may be used to prevent evictions and foreclosures for renters and homeowners resulting from hardships caused by COVID-19.” It also directs federal agencies to “identify any and all available Federal funds to provide temporary financial assistance to renters and homeowners who, as a result of the financial hardships caused by COVID-19, are struggling to meet their monthly rental or mortgage obligations.”

Student Loan Payment Relief: The fourth order extends the suspension of student loan payments and the waiver of interest until Dec. 31, 2020.