Dear Friend,

I hope you and your family are safe and well as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the newest COVID relief package, the American Rescue Plan, to help children, workers, families, and small businesses through the pandemic. This bill is currently being considered by the Senate. 

Today, I want to share how the American Rescue Plan will impact you and your family, invite you to a great event happening on International Women’s Day, and share some details about the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for young artists in the Sixth District.

WHAT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN MEANS FOR YOU

While we passed five bills in Congress to address this crisis, it’s clear that they were not enough. That’s why over the weekend, the House passed President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill to deal with the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This bill puts cash into the pockets of those who need it most -- up to $1,400 per person for individuals making under $75,000 and couples making under $150,000.

On top of that, the House-passed American Rescue Plan will increase the monthly federal boost to unemployment benefits to $400 and extend the benefit through August 29th.

Small businesses are being devastated by this pandemic. That’s why the American Rescue Plan will increase funding for the critical Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expand PPP eligibility to nonprofits, support struggling restaurants and bars, and increase awareness of relief programs to ensure equitable access to funding.

Our kids are struggling with online learning and the social isolation from being away from their peers. This bill will provide $130 billion to help get our kids and teachers safely back in the classroom and start to address the negative effects of this pandemic, such as learning loss.

There’s no question that these are difficult times, and cases of mental health and substance use disorder are on the rise. We’re seeing that right here in our communities. Overdose deaths are up 111% in parts of Western Maryland. This demands our immediate action. Last month, I wrote to Congressional Leadership to request additional funding for mental health and addiction in this package. I’m happy to say that the American Rescue Plan includes $4 billion for mental health care, including funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to get folks the help they need.

These are just a few of the critical provisions that will impact you and your family. While some of the numbers may change as the bill is debated in the Senate, the American Rescue Plan is a giant step towards the light at the end of the tunnel in the fight against COVID.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Monday is International Women’s Day. To celebrate, I’m joining ChildFund International and Save the Children for their "Girls Leading a More Equal World: A High-Level Event in Celebration of IWD 2021."

During this event, we will discuss the vital importance of girls’ participation and leadership in civic and political spaces. I’ll also be discussing my new bill, the Girls LEAD Act, which will promote civic engagement among girls across the world.

Register for this important event here.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition to recognize high school artists in each congressional district. 

Despite the pandemic, I’m pleased to announce that my office is accepting submissions for this competition. 

You must live or attend school in Maryland’s Sixth District to be eligible. If you are unsure of which Congressional district you reside in, you may use the “Find My Representative” tool here. 

You can find out more information about the competition’s rules and regulations on my website here. 

To enter, students must complete the Google form by FRIDAY April 23, 2021. Only one submission per student will be accepted. 

Learn more about this competition and submit your work here.

My team and I will continue to keep you updated on how Congress is working for you. As always, follow my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website for additional information.

Sincerely,

David Trone
Member of Congress

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