Garamendi, Thompson vote to pass America Rescue Plan
The measure provides one-time economic relief checks of $1,400 to individuals, extend unemployment benefits and provide funding to small businesses.
(File photo by Matthew Keys/Solano NewsNet)
Solano County’s elected officials in Congress voted to pass the American Rescue Plan, the third economic relief and stimulus package passed by federal lawmakers in response to the ongoing coronavirus health pandemic.
The legislation is an amended version passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this week and calls for the one-time disbursement of $1,400 checks to individuals, expanded pandemic unemployment assistance through September and more than $80 billion in relief to small businesses, among other things.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is destroying lives, small businesses, and local communities across this nation as we enter the second year of its existence,” Rep. John Garamendi said in a statement e-mailed to reporters on Wednesday. “The legislation provides much-needed funding for my Congressional District to address our specific needs in local health care, transportation, education, and other essential services.”
The bill is now headed to the desk of President Joe Biden, who has signaled his intent to sign it into law. That is expected to happen on Friday, according to the New York Times.
“I’m pleased that this bill has passed Congress and is going to be signed into law to ensure the American people immediately receive the relief and support they deserve,” Garamendi said.
Rep. Mike Thompson, who represents Vallejo and Benicia, expressed similar sentiments in a statement posted on his website.
“Help is on the way for the American people,” Thompson wrote. “This comprehensive COVID-19 relief package will address the dual health and economic crises created by this pandemic and ensure we are on the path toward recovery — and it can’t come soon enough. More than half a million people have died, millions more have been sick, millions are out of work, countless businesses are closed, and our kids are out of school.”
Earlier in the day, Thompson tweeted that he intends to hold a virtual town hall with constituents to explain what the American Rescue Plan does and how it can help individuals and businesses locally.
Under the American Rescue Plan:
Individuals with an annual income of $80,000 or less will receive a one-time check of $1,400, bringing the total individual stimulus amount to $2,600 since the pandemic started, including a one-time $600 check that was sent to citizens in December.
The federal government will provide an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits through September. A similar provision was set to expire this month.
The federal government will provide financial assistance and incentives to state and local governments for various initiatives, including COVID-19 vaccine rollouts and the re-opening of schools for in-person instruction.
The Paycheck Protection Program will be expanded to provide additional financial assistance to small businesses.
The cost of the American Rescue Plan is expected to reach $1.9 trillion, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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