Today marks the one-year anniversary of President Biden and congressional Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, the federal legislation that delivered hundreds of billions in direct, flexible pandemic recovery funding to cities, towns, and communities throughout the country. ARP generated a stronger, faster recovery from the pandemic, helping millions find jobs, boosting wages, creating greater economic security, and increasing worker power.
In the first year alone, ARP made critical, targeted investments that lowered the cost of health care, education, child care, and elder care.
American Bridge: “‘After a devastating year, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan has been a lifeline for millions of workers,’ said Tom Perez. ‘From the $1,400 relief checks to expanded paid leave, the Biden-Harris administration, along with Democrats in Congress, fought to ensure that the benefits of the American Rescue Plan went to those who needed it most, not those at the top.’”
Bloomberg Law: “The Biden administration’s $350 billion state and local aid package provided hazard pay or bonuses for more than 740,000 workers on the front lines of the pandemic.”
13 News Now: “Over the past year, a record $2.7 billion went to HBCUs across the country. The American Rescue Plan requires half of the money to go towards financial relief for students.”
Democrats have also worked tirelessly over the last year to help families struggling with the high cost of utility bills, and increase wages for workers. Meanwhile, Republicans sit back and try to take credit for legislation they opposed, while bringing nothing to the table.
Los Angeles Times: “Every GOP member of Congress voted against the sweeping pandemic relief bill that Biden signed into law two months ago. But since then, Republicans from New York to Washington state have promoted elements of the legislation they tried to defeat.”
American Bridge: “Whether it’s Ron DeSantis in Florida, Kristi Noem in South Dakota, Mike DeWine in Ohio, or Doug Ducey in Arizona, Republicans from coast to coast have bashed this once-in-a-generation investment in families and communities despite having no agenda of their own.”
American Bridge: “Chris Sununu is a world class hypocrite who opposed the American Rescue Plan that is putting money in people’s pockets and providing relief from the sky high property taxes Sununu imposed upon Granite Staters.”
And while Democrats continue to work on lowering costs for middle-class families, Republicans are cheering on higher inflation, calling it a political “gold mine” and doing everything in their power to prolong the pandemic.
The Insider: “‘You can see what’s going to happen next. We’re going to continue to have inflation, and then interest rates will go up,’ Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, the head of the Senate GOP’s fundraising arm, told the Wall Street Journal. ‘This is a gold mine for us,’ he said.”
American Bridge: “We can’t trust Republicans to do what’s right for families. Despite their inaction, President Biden and congressional Democrats will continue working around the clock to fight inflation.”
###
Published: Mar 11, 2022 | Last Modified: Mar 22, 2022