Congresswoman Cori Bush’s Statement on House Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement after voting for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“St. Louis — this relief will save lives,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “We worked hard to secure key provisions in this bill, and, because we came together to demand comprehensive relief, I know this COVID-19 legislation will alleviate some of the burdens and worry that our community is feeling. 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, I know these worries all too well.
“I’m especially proud of our work to secure more than $5 billion for the state of Missouri, approximately $700 million in relief for local governments in the St. Louis region — including more than $500 million for St. Louis City. These urgently needed resources will help our state and local governments provide life-saving unemployment benefits, food assistance, housing support, and crucial funds to equitably distribute vaccines in St. Louis and safely reopen our schools. More than 800,000 children and adults across Missouri will now receive monthly checks as a result of our expansion of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, in addition to the $1,400 stimulus payments for individuals, families, children, and adult dependents. I am proud of our work to ensure direct cash relief will go into the hands of more people across Missouri’s First District.
“Direct cash will help make ends meet today, but our work for lasting economic justice will continue tomorrow. I’ve been in conversations with the White House and have made it abundantly clear that people cannot continue to live off of starvation wages. I have secured their commitment to prioritize raising the minimum wage to at least $15, and I will continue fighting to ensure that the promises we made to the American people are kept. This cannot be our last relief bill, and I look forward to remaining in conversation with the White House and working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure economic prosperity can be shared by all.”
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Congresswoman Cori Bush represents Missouri’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She is also a Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is a registered nurse, single mother, and an ordained pastor. Following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. by a now-terminated Ferguson police officer, she became a civil rights activist and community organizer fighting for justice for Black lives on the streets of Missouri and across the country.