CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO DELIVER MUCH-NEEDED PANDEMIC RELIEF TO AMERICAN FAMILIES, BUSINESSES

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to enact President Biden's American Rescue Plan, taking steps to deliver much-needed relief to Americans and help our nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive $1.9 trillion legislation would provide another round of direct payments to individuals, additional support for small businesses, resources to strengthen vaccine distribution, state and local government funding, and more.

"A year into this pandemic, families are still facing serious challenges. We have a responsibility to take bold, decisive action to help our communities recover—and this legislation would do just that," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Not only does the American Rescue Plan provide immediate support for families and businesses who need it most, it takes critical steps to invest in our long-term economic resiliency. This is the kind of forward-thinking relief we need, and I urge the Senate to join us in its swift passage."

The American Rescue Plan, proposed by President Biden, would mark the fifth COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress in the past year. Its passage comes as the United States marks 500,000 lives lost to the virus and a deepening economic crisis with over 18 million Americans receiving unemployment benefits, nearly 24 million Americans going hungry, and up to 40 million Americans who cannot afford to pay rent.

This sweeping legislative package takes ambitious steps to address these serious challenges, prioritizing the needs of families and businesses across America. It has been passed by the House of Representatives and now goes to the Senate for approval.

Specific highlights include:

Direct Payments to Americans

• Includes direct payments of $1,400 for individuals earning up to $75,000, gradually phasing out for those with incomes above $100,000.
  • $2,800 for married couples with incomes up to $150,000, gradually phasing out at $200,000.
  • $1,400 per dependent.

Relief for Families

• Increases Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child.
• Provides nearly $39 Billion for Child Care and Development Block Grant program.
• Maintains the 15% increase to SNAP benefits through the September 30, 2021.
• Invests $5 Billion to maintain and expand Pandemic EBT program.

Support for Workers

• Increases Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation from $300 to $400 through August 2021.
• Provides assistance and support for COBRA continuation coverage.
• Gradually increases the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.

Improved Vaccine and Testing Rollout

• Provides $188 Billion to help address the health consequences of the pandemic.
• Invests $46 Billion to bolster our testing and tracing capacity.
• Allocates $10 Billion to support the Defense Production Act and expedite vaccine production.

State and Local Funding

• Provides $350 Billion for State and Local governments to keep critical programs and services operational.

Aid for Schools

• Provides $130 Billion total to schools across America.
• Includes measures to ensure high-poverty districts are protected against steep cuts.

Support for Small Businesses

• Allocates $7.25 Billion in additional funding and expanded eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program.
• Establishes $25 Billion for Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
• Establishes Community Navigator pilot program to aid small businesses accessing COVID-19 relief programs.

Help to Veterans

• Provides $17 Billion to the VA to waive copays and treatment, as well as reduce the backlog and increase claims processing.

Housing Assistance

• Includes $25 Billion to protect millions of Americans facing evictions.
• Includes $5 Billion to support those experiencing homelessness.

Pension Relief

• Keeps millions of Americans' multiemployer pensions solvent for decades to come.