Dear Friend,
I am so grateful to be in touch with exciting news. Yesterday, I voted to send the American Rescue Plan Act to President Biden’s desk. Today, he has signed it into law. This is a $1.9 trillion package that will bring urgent relief that our district needs to not just survive this pandemic but to finally begin healing our communities from the pain of the global pandemic. I’ve heard from so many of you who have told me this relief will mean the difference between being able to pay rent and coming home to an eviction notice. It will mean not worrying that your utilities will be shut off in the middle of a pandemic. It will mean having enough money to feed your children and yourself. As a single mom who has lived paycheck to paycheck, I know these worries all too well. I’m proud to let you know that we secured approximately $700 million in relief for our local governments in the St. Louis region.
We also worked hard to secure so many more key provisions that ensure direct relief. Here are a few features of the plan: - Stopping the spread of COVID-19: More than $70 billion to fund a federal vaccine distribution program that is centered in equity and expands testing, contact tracing, and virus mitigation.
- Direct cash relief: $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals with incomes of up to $75,000, single parents earning up to $112,500, and couples who file jointly with incomes of up to $150,000. Checks will phase out for individuals earning up to incomes of $80,000, single parents with incomes up to $120,000, and couples making $160,000. Also new to this round of stimulus checks is expanded eligibility for adult dependents, elderly relatives, mixed status families, and adults with disabilities. Unlike previous rounds, dependent children under age 17 now qualify for the full $1,400. Stimulus checks should start going out this month.
- Expanded Tax Credits: Expands the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and makes both fully refundable for 2021. Benefits under the expanded CTC will increase from the current $2,000 per child to up to $3,600 per child under 6 ($3,000 for children ages 6-17). Checks will be based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns and sent out monthly starting July 1st.
- Unemployment assistance: Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, which were set to expire on March 14th will now be extended through September 6th.
- Saving our small businesses: $7.25 billion in small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program.
- Ensuring safe housing: $4.75 billion in supportive services, affordable housing and non-congregate shelter space for the unhoused, $22.5 billion in emergency rental and utility assistance, and $10 billion to support homeowners.
- Food Security: Extends SNAP maximum benefits by 15 percent (through September 30, 2021) and allocates $800 million for WIC to support low-income women and infants.
- Resources for Schools: Provides nearly $130 billion to support the safe reopening of K-12 schools, $40 billion for colleges and universities, and includes a provision that will make any future student loan debt cancellation tax free.
- Expands Health Coverage: More than 4.5 million more people will gain coverage under this law, specifically silver plans in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace will be capped at 8.5 percent of eligible individuals’ incomes to ensure people and families aren’t overburdened by health care costs. Additionally, any person who receives unemployment at any point in 2021 is now eligible for silver plans under the ACA for $0 premium.
I know that this package is going to have a profound impact on our community — but I also know that this is not enough. Please know that I am fighting for long-term direct cash payments for individuals and families and guaranteed comprehensive health care for all. I am urgently pushing the Senate to end the filibuster so that we can raise the federal minimum wage to at least $15 per hour. I know how badly St. Louis needs student debt relief, and I will continue to work to cancel all student debt. Our office is here to help you in accessing any and all resources that you may be entitled to. You can reach out to our district office directly at (314) 955-9980 and our team will be happy to assist you.
Additionally, this bill will help St. Louis get access to more vaccine doses and promotes equity in their distribution — which we have desperately needed. We have COVID-19 resources available on our website that can help you get registered for a vaccine — and as always, please call our office at (314) 955-9980 if you have any questions. I also encourage you to keep in touch by subscribing to my e-newsletter, following me on Twitter or Instagram, and liking my page on Facebook. Yours in service,
CORI BUSH Member of Congress |
