Allred Votes for COVID Relief to Stop Spread of Virus and Help North Texans Weather this Crisis

Press Release

Today, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) voted to pass a COVID relief package. The package provides aid to state and local governments, funding for vaccine distribution, more help for small businesses, assistance for airline workers and direct payments.

"I have been clear since the beginning of this crisis that a once-in-a-generation pandemic calls for a once-in-a-generation response from Congress -- the American Rescue Plan meets the needs of this moment," said Allred. "This bill will help us stop the spread of the virus by investing in vaccine distribution as well as enhanced testing and tracing, and help Americans weather this crisis through direct payments, an increased Child Tax Credit, and more and better support for workers and small businesses. North Texans are struggling through no fault of their own and I'm proud to join my colleagues in voting for this bill to provide needed relief."

A key provision Allred advocated for that is included in this bill, that was not included in President Biden's proposal, is an additional $14 billion for the Payroll Support Program to help keep North Texas airline workers employed. Additionally, Allred has been a vocal proponent of including state and local aid in COVID relief and through this package it is estimated that Dallas County will receive $511 million, the city of Dallas will receive $377 million, Garland will receive $57 million, Richardson will receive $26 million and Sachse will receive $5.6 million.

The American Rescue Plan:

Support to stop the spread of the virus: The plan will mount a national vaccination program that includes setting up community vaccination sites nationwide and includes funding to protect Americans in the meantime by scaling up testing and tracing, addressing shortages of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies, investing in high-quality treatments, and addressing health care disparities.

Provides additional direct payments: The package provides a new round of economic impact payments of up to $1,400 per adult or child, meaning a family of four could receive up to $5,600.

Supports small businesses: The bill expands PPP eligibility for nonprofits and support for live event venues and includes $15 billion in Targeted EIDL Advances for the hardest hit businesses.

Provides additional assistance for airline industry workers: The agreement provides an additional $14 billion for the Payroll Support Program, with 100% of the funding going directly to airline workers.

Supports state and local governments: Provides urgent funding to help communities across the country battle the coronavirus, restore critical services to struggling families, and help save the jobs of our heroes -- health care workers, first responders, sanitation and transportation workers, and teachers.

Extends enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: This bill renews the pandemic-related enhanced unemployment insurance, including making sure gig workers remain eligible to receive benefits.

Additional rental assistance: The bill provides an additional $25 billion for rental assistance and emergency housing vouchers to help keep folks in their homes.

Supports our schools and child care providers: This relief package gives K-12 schools funding to safely reopen and address lost time in the classroom and expands grants to make child care safer and more affordable for families.

Strengthens Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit: This package includes funding for increasing the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 for children over 6 and $3,600 for children 6 and under, which would lift 4.1 million American kids above the poverty line.

See the summary of the COVID relief package from the Budget Committee here.

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