Schiff Statement on Passage of COVID Relief Deal
Package Includes Unemployment Support for Mixed Earners and Critical Funding for Entertainment Industry
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released the following statement after voting in favor of the $900 billion COVID relief deal to provide millions of American families with much-needed financial support to pay rent, put food on the table, and continue weathering this economic crisis:
“As the coronavirus pandemic stretches into its tenth month, Americans are suffering through the worst public health and economic crisis in recent history, and tens of millions of Americans are in desperate need of relief,” said Rep. Adam Schiff.
“The bill passed tonight will provide stimulus checks, critical support for Americans who are unemployed, help for small businesses, schools, renters and homeowners. It will provide billions to accelerate vaccinations and testing. And I am also very pleased that this package includes two critical measures that I have been advocating for months that are critical to our local economy and the nation. First, it includes an additional $100 weekly unemployment benefit for ‘mixed earners’ who got far too little help under the CARES Act, including thousands of workers in the entertainment industry, as well as other freelancers, contractors and gig economy workers. And the final package also includes the Save Our Stages Act, which will provide $15 billion to live entertainment venues like concert halls, comedy clubs, and independent movie theaters, so that these culturally vital institutions can survive the pandemic and keep employees on payroll.
“The relief package we passed today should have been passed months ago. But it’s a significant step, and those that blocked it for so long should know that it is only a down payment on additional relief families and small businesses will need in the new year. But with the holidays approaching, and millions struggling, it was important to help get Americans back on their feet and through this long, difficult winter.”
The relief package includes:
- Supplemental unemployment insurance benefits of $300 per week, including self-employed, gig and contract workers, and those who earn income from a mix of traditional and independent sources;
- Direct payments of $600 per adult and child for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, meaning a family of four could receive up to $2,400;
- $325 billion in relief for small businesses, including $15 billion in dedicated funding to live entertainment venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions;
- $25 billion in emergency federal rental assistance program funding, to be distributed to states and cities;
- $69 billion for COVID testing and contract tracing in states and cities, as well as vaccine distribution and support for community health care programs;
And more. View the full text of the bill here.
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