Dear Friends,

It has been a little more than a year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Rhode Island. Today, we are beginning to turn the corner, but to completely crush the virus, we need to go big and get relief into the hands of the people who are hurting most. To do so, I voted for Congressional passage of legislation to implement President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” last week. This proposal was signed into law on March 11 by President Biden, and help is on the way!

The American Rescue Plan Act will infuse an estimated $1.78 billion into Rhode Island in the form of state and local government aid; this includes an estimated $1.12 billion for the state, $113 million for critical state capital projects in response to the pandemic, and $542 million in aid to cities and towns. This is in addition to an estimated $690 million for schools including $415 million in support of safely reopening K-12 schools, $180 million for higher education, $93 million for childcare programs, and $3 million for Head Start.

I invite you to join my telephone town hall with House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Congressman Richard Neal, who authored portions of the bill pertaining to the $1,400 Economic Impact Payments, expanded unemployment insurance, and a revamped child tax credit, Governor Dan McKee, and Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Acting Director Matt Weldon, this evening from 6:00-7:00pm to highlight how the legislation will benefit Rhode Island communities. Those interested may register online to receive a call or dial 855-962-1080 during the scheduled time to participate in the conversation.

We are far from being in the clear from this terrible virus. Congress had to act with urgency to provide relief that will help rebuild our communities and make them more resilient, and the American Rescue Plan Act delivers.