Press Release 3/12/21
Dear Neighbors,
NEW JERSEY – This week, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law. It will go a long way toward crushing the coronavirus, delivering help to struggling families, and rebuilding our economy. It’s exactly the kind of response we need to end this public health and economic crisis. I want you to know that help is on the way.
A Plan to Crush the Virus and Get Back to Work and School
The American Rescue Plan will support the national effort to ramp up distribution and administration of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines as well as the implementation of a national testing strategy that will help us quickly track and contain the virus. President Biden addressed the country this week and said that he expects that COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all adults by May 1. For the first time, we have a national plan to fight the virus that does not force states and local governments to compete with each other for testing, contact tracing, and medical supplies.
The bill also includes the largest expansion of health care coverage since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, including lower monthly premiums for millions of Americans and a coverage expansion for millions more who are currently uninsured. The pandemic has shown just how important it is to have affordable and accessible health care coverage, and this bill helps provide it.
The relief package also helps low-income families pay their utility bills so they can keep the lights on, the heat working, and the water running. We also expand internet connectivity to help students and teachers without home internet access so that we can close the homework gap.
Here’s What the Bill Means for You:
– Eligible individuals and families will receive direct cash payments. The deposits will begin as early as this weekend. If you have questions about your payment, please call my office or click here for more information from the IRS.
– Unemployment benefits will be extended through early September with the additional supplemental benefit of $300 per week.
– The child tax credit for eligible families is now fully refundable for 2021, and the bill increases the annual amount from the current $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for a child under age 6) in 2021.
– New Jersey’s K-12 school districts will receive an estimated $2.9 billion for immediate and long-term relief so they can work with public health experts to safely re-open schools and make up for lost time in the classroom.
– Small businesses and nonprofits will have access to more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding with expanded eligibility to ensure it reaches nonprofits of all sizes and types. Click here for information about resources for small businesses and PPP loans or call your lender directly.
– Our towns will receive funding to ensure critical services and day-to-day programs can remain operational. First responders, teachers, and public servants across our state are risking their lives to serve our cities and towns, and we cannot let them down. New Jersey is expected to receive $6.5 billion.
Rebuilding Our Infrastructure with Good Paying Jobs
This week, I introduced the Leading Infrastructure For Tomorrow’s America Act, or LIFT America Act. As our nation combats COVID-19 and a severe economic downturn, the LIFT America Act fulfills President Biden’s promise to Build Back Better. Over the last
year, we’ve seen the devastating results of inaction: major power outages, water shortages, health care facilities stretched to the limit, and communities left behind due to the digital divide. The sweeping legislation will modernize the nation’s infrastructure, rebuild the economy, combat climate change, and protect public health and the environment.
Local COVID-19 Announcements
Restaurants, recreational and amusement venues, gyms, barber shops, and salons can increase indoor capacity to 50% on March 19.
The cap on outdoor gatherings that are not religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals or memorial services will increase to 50 on March 19. Indoor gatherings will have a limit of 25 individuals.
If you or someone you know needs assistance paying for heating and cooling bills, click here to find out how eligible households in New Jersey can get help.
Coronavirus Resources
If you have questions about resources available to New Jerseyans during the coronavirus pandemic, click here to visit my website or call my offices directly:
Middlesex County:
732-249-8892
Monmouth County:
732-571-1140
Sincerely,
Congressman Pallone
