Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement after the most recent COVID relief bill, the American Rescue Plan, passed the House of Representatives.

“This past year has tested us like never before—the COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed lives and livelihoods, leaving many Americans grieving for their loved ones and worrying about how to put food on the table,” said Rep. Frankel. “The good news is help is on the way. The American Rescue Plan will crush this virus, return children safely to the classroom, get vaccines into the arms of Americans, put money into the pockets of working families, and get people back to work.”

The American Rescue Plan will take immediate steps to address the coronavirus pandemic and economic. Important provisions in the bill include:

• A national vaccination program;
• $170 billion to help safely reopen schools and colleges across the country;
• $1,400 stimulus checks for Americans who need it most;
• An extension and increase of federal unemployment insurance to $400 per week;
• An infusion of $40 billion into the child care industry to help centers stay open and help families pay for care;
• An expansion of paid family and medical leave for workers to help more women stay in the workforce;
• An expansion of the child tax credit to $3,000 per child and $3,600 for a child under age six;
• $26 billion for emergency rent and utility assistance;
• Critical support for small businesses through EIDL grants and expanded PPP eligibility; and
• $350 billion for state and local governments, including nearly $300 million in assistance for Palm Beach County to provide crucial resources to protect the jobs of first responders, frontline public health workers, teachers, transit workers and other essential workers that all Americans depend on.

The American Rescue Plan passed the House by a vote of 219 to 212 and now goes to the Senate.

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