Rochester, N.Y. - For Danielle Jessup, every penny counts.
“I work three jobs and we cut corners, we shop at the consignment shop,” Jessup said.
An extra $350 from the state's possible rebate program would come in handy.
The program is part of the state’s recent budget deal, designed to give middle class families a break.
Households with at least one child, making $40,000 to $300,000 would get a check.
Jessup and so many others like her won't be included.
Even with three jobs , she doesn't make $40,000.
“It feels unfair,” Jessup said. “I do work hard and we do struggle and if anybody needs it, it's people like me.”
Jessup and others are wondering what is truly considered “middle-class.”
“I guess I have to wonder how first making $300,000 is middle class,” Jessup said.
Spencer Peavey would get a rebate.
He says he can see why $300,000 would be considered middle class in bigger cities.
“I would consider families who make $300,000 in bigger cities like New York City or Boston or Philadelphia is expensive,” Peavey said. “I have some friends who live in Boston who are barely getting by.”
Peavey says he agrees that the range of incomes don’t measure up.
“I don’t know why they started at $40,000. I think that is a little bit biased but if they’re looking at creating something, up to $300,000 that would definitely be more fair,” Peavey said.
Sharon Beeke won't get a rebate either.
While she says there are others who deserve a check more than she does, she says this rebate program doesn’t necessarily help those who need it the most.
“I think that’s a joke, I don’t think there’s any middle class anymore – it’s either the haves or the have nots. That’s really unfortunate because there used to be an American dream,” Beeke said.
Beeke said the rebate is a temporary fix for a long term problem.
She said it’s up to lawmakers to find a solution.
“You need to fix the problem first and think about the people,” Beeke said.
Lawmakers are still working on a budget deal.
They have until April 1st to have a budget in place.
