|
Dear Friends,
Last week for the first time since the War of 1812 our Capitol was under siege. Police were pinned between a door, hit with fire extinguishers and hockey sticks, and dragged. Pipe bombs were found at the DNC and RNC. Five people died. Journalists were attacked. This was a violent insurrection incited by the President. The President and the rioters must be held accountable. That’s why I voted to impeach this President for a second time. I applaud the House Republicans who put nation before party and voted to protect our democracy. This now lies with Senate Republicans and I hope they do the same.
While I will continue to work to protect our democracy and the people of this country, I will also not let this distract us from our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end of 2020 a new COVID relief package was signed into law. I voted for this critical legislation, but more relief is needed. I will work with my colleagues and President-elect Biden to provide more help. Here are some of the highlights of the recent COVID relief law:
To Help Individuals and Families Hurt by COVID’s Impact on the Economy, the law provides:
- Extension of federal unemployment benefits, including benefits for self-employed workers, until March 14th and adds $300/week in unemployment benefits;
- Up to $600 per adult and child in direct payments to most Americans;
- Additional $25 billion in rental and utility assistance and an extension the eviction mortarium through January 31;
- An additional $13 billion in food assistance programs;
- Over $700 million for Connecticut K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
To Stop the Virus and Treat Patients with COVID, the law includes:
- Almost $23 billion for vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and supplies;
- More than $22 billion for testing, tracing, and containment to stop the virus from spreading;
- Additional $3 billion for hospitals, community health centers, physicians and other providers to test, treat and care for COVID patients; and
- $22 billion to help underserved communities tackle this health crisis.
To help Businesses and Non-Profits Hurt by COVID’s Impact on the Economy, the law provides:
- Additional $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including dedicated funding for the very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders.
- On January 8th, the U.S. Small Business Administration in consultation with the Treasury Department announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-opened the week of January of 11th.
- For more information on how to apply for a PPP loan, click here.
- Additional $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help smaller businesses;
- An extension of a tax credit for employers who provide paid family and medical leave as well as a tax credit for employers who offer paid sick leave;
- Extension and expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help employers keep employees on the job during COVID closures or reduced revenue; and
- $10 Billion assistance for child care and child care providers.
Vaccine Distribution Updates:
Regards,
John B. Larson
Member of Congress |