The Comprehensive Aid Package Will Build America Back Better
MARYLAND — Wednesday, March 10th, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis released the following statement after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law:
“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in modern history — its signing is a huge victory for working families, small businesses, Marylanders, and all Americans.
“This historic $1.9 trillion dollar pandemic relief package is a massive step in addressing the unprecedented crises facing our country. The American Rescue Plan will save countless lives by ramping up public health and vaccination efforts, provides the resources for the safe reopening of our small businesses and classrooms, and sends desperately-needed relief to Marylanders suffering from the economic fallout of COVID-19.
“Included in the broad, bold package are $1,400 direct payment relief checks, extended unemployment benefits, a significant expansion of the Child Tax Credit, and increased health care subsidies. Not only will this build our nation back from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will build us back better, and more equitable than ever before. The American Rescue Plan lifts eleven million people out of poverty and cuts childhood poverty in half — this year alone. It makes health care more affordable for millions of Americans and creates the equivalent of a fifty percent wage increase for single mothers earning the minimum wage.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout have hit minority communities disproportionately hard — President Biden emphatically pledged to tackle these inequities, and the American Rescue Plan ensures that vaccination aid goes directly to these hard-hit communities. The legislation also included a Small Business Opportunity Fund to provide growth capital to small businesses in economically disadvantaged areas and for Black and Brown-owned businesses.
“As Americans see the direct impacts of this historic effort and our nation begins to safely reopen, the contrast between parties could not be starker. President Biden and Congressional Democrats have delivered for the American people — passing an extraordinarily popular COVID-19 relief package. Republicans did nothing but obstruct, delay, and play frivolous games with relief people desperately need. Thanks to Democratic leaders, we will get shots in arms, aid to small businesses, and money in the pockets of Marylanders and Americans who need it.
“This critical aid could also not have happened without the leadership of Maryland’s Democratic Congressional Delegation. In the House, Majority Leader Hoyer tirelessly fought for the American Rescue Plan alongside our six other Democratic members. In the Senate, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen stood fast against Republican efforts to sabotage the bill and ensured that Marylanders would get the aid they need. They worked through the night to pass this critical package. We are well represented by them and are grateful for their leadership.”
You can find more information on the American Recovery Plan and its contents here.
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