Emerging virus aid bill aims to help cities, Postal Service
4 years, 8 months ago

Emerging virus aid bill aims to help cities, Postal Service

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Although timing for the House’s return isn’t set, the outlines are emerging for a Democratic-driven bill to aid states and local governments, the Postal Service, and boost contact tracing to track the coronavirus. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday it’s time to push “pause” on more aid legislation — even as he repeated a “red line” demand that any new aid package include liability protections for hospitals, health care providers and businesses operating and reopening. Grassley, for instance, said that “I don’t think we ought to right now decide that there is going to be a phase 4.” Ultimately, the legislation is likely to be shaped most by a familiar quartet of congressional leaders including Pelosi and McConnell and top Trump administration officials like Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. A freshman Republican senator, Missouri’s Josh Hawley, said: “If we enter a long-term recession or depression, the concerns we have about deficit spending now are going to look like a walk in the park.” One idea gaining traction among Republicans is to allow greater flexibility on $150 billion in aid that’s already been delivered to states and larger cities.

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History of this topic

As local governments spend billions in pandemic relief, some neglect to report specifics
1 year, 4 months ago

As local governments spend billions in pandemic relief, some neglect to report specifics

LA Times  

President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan shortly after taking office in 2021. The city, which was devastated in 2011 by one of deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, took a deliberate approach with its pandemic aid to develop “really transformational projects,” said Leslie Haase, Joplin’s finance director. The actual amount of spending commitments is probably well over 80% when accounting …

How raising the nation’s debt limit could reduce spending of some coronavirus relief funds
1 year, 7 months ago

How raising the nation’s debt limit could reduce spending of some coronavirus relief funds

Associated Press  

With the pandemic officially over, leftover coronavirus relief money for vaccines, public health initiatives and other programs has become a target as negotiators try to reach a budget deal to raise the nation’s debt limit. HOW MUCH IS AT STAKE The Congressional Budget Office estimates that halting the use of unobligated pandemic relief funds would result in a net spending …

Federal COVID aid OK’d to pay for roads, natural disasters
1 year, 11 months ago

Federal COVID aid OK’d to pay for roads, natural disasters

Associated Press  

— State and local governments will soon gain new flexibility to spend billions of federal coronavirus relief dollars on things not directly related to the pandemic, including new roads and bridges and aid to people affected by wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. The broadened spending authority for the previously approved pandemic aid was one of many of provisions wrapped …

States spend federal COVID aid on roads, buildings, seawalls
2 years, 3 months ago

States spend federal COVID aid on roads, buildings, seawalls

Associated Press  

Standing 14 stories tall, the Docking State Office Building is one of Kansas’ largest and oldest state workplaces. Though that may be a stretch, it’s likely fine under the American Rescue Plan act — a sweeping law signed by President Joe Biden last year that provides broad flexibility for $350 billion of aid to states and local governments. “We didn’t …

Biden urges local leaders to boost public safety spending
2 years, 7 months ago

Biden urges local leaders to boost public safety spending

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Flanked by law enforcement officials and local leaders in the Rose Garden, President Joe Biden said Friday his administration’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package is boosting public safety by investing in police departments. “The answer is to fund the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities.” Biden said more money should be spent …

White House warns of ‘severe consequences’ if Congress doesn’t pass supplemental Covid funding
2 years, 9 months ago

White House warns of ‘severe consequences’ if Congress doesn’t pass supplemental Covid funding

CNN  

CNN — White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients on Monday renewed the Biden administration’s urgent call for Congress to pass pandemic supplemental funding or face “severe consequences.” His remarks came amid uncertainty for the legislative path forward for additional money for the federal government’s pandemic response. We sent Congress a targeted request for $22.5 billion to meet those urgent …

Yellen: Biden pandemic relief ‘like a vaccine’ for economy
2 years, 11 months ago

Yellen: Biden pandemic relief ‘like a vaccine’ for economy

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a gathering of America’s mayors on Wednesday that the Biden administration’s coronavirus relief bill was like a vaccine preventing catastrophic economic damage that could have returned the nation to the financial woes seen at the beginning of the pandemic. President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan “acted like a vaccine for the …

Treasury broadens COVID relief uses for states, localities
3 years ago

Treasury broadens COVID relief uses for states, localities

Associated Press  

State and local governments will have greater flexibility to spend $350 billion of federal COVID-19 aid under new rules from President Joe Biden’s administration. The final U.S. Treasury Department rules come nearly 10 months after Biden signed the massive $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that included aid for state, local and tribal governments. “I think we’re going to see in …

White House offering more aid for winter heat, utility bills
3 years, 1 month ago

White House offering more aid for winter heat, utility bills

Associated Press  

The Biden administration is taking steps to help distribute several billion dollars in aid for winter heating and utility bills, an unprecedented sum that comes largely from its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Aid for renters can also cover utility costs, while the money provided to state, local and tribal governments can help families that face high heating bills and …

Cities seek to loosen rules on spending federal pandemic aid
3 years, 2 months ago

Cities seek to loosen rules on spending federal pandemic aid

Associated Press  

At the Loma Verde Recreation Center south of San Diego, demolition work is underway on a $24 million project that will rebuild the facility from the ground up, complete with a new pool. Treasury spokesperson Liz Bourgeois said the plan gives governments “the resources and flexibility they need to avoid cuts, hire or retain workers, provide essential services, and come …

Lawmakers OK $55B budget bills; $7.5B in virus relief left
3 years, 3 months ago

Lawmakers OK $55B budget bills; $7.5B in virus relief left

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan lawmakers who finished passing the state budget Wednesday will next turn to allocating an unprecedented amount of federal COVID-19 rescue funding — money that largely is flexible and can be spent however the state decides. “I’m looking forward to additional infrastructure, education and water packages that we will be able to put together over the coming …

Feds report most rental assistance has still not gone out
3 years, 4 months ago

Feds report most rental assistance has still not gone out

Associated Press  

BOSTON — States and localities have only distributed 11% of the tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance, the Treasury Department said Wednesday, the latest sign the program is struggling to reach the millions of tenants at risk of eviction. “Nearly 1 million households assisted is meaningful progress, but the overall rate of spending emergency rental assistance remains …

Treasury to start paying out $350B in state and local aid
3 years, 7 months ago

Treasury to start paying out $350B in state and local aid

Associated Press  

The Treasury Department on Monday launched its $350 billion program to distribute aid to state and local governments, giving the U.S. economy an added boost as President Joe Biden sought to assure the country that stronger growth is coming. Administration officials said payments could begin to go out in the coming days to eligible governments, allowing state, local, territorial and …

US Treasury launches $350BN in state, local COVID aid
3 years, 8 months ago

US Treasury launches $350BN in state, local COVID aid

Al Jazeera  

The funds can be used by state, local, tribal and territorial governments to offer aid to unemployed workers and hard-hit communities and premium pay to essential workers. The United States Department of the Treasury launched access to $350bn in COVID-19 aid for state, local, tribal and territorial governments on Monday, releasing rules for allowable uses and a prohibition on tax …

Some states plan big spending with Biden’s aid, others wait
3 years, 8 months ago

Some states plan big spending with Biden’s aid, others wait

Associated Press  

Though still awaiting money from the latest federal coronavirus relief act, some governors and state lawmakers already are making plans to add the multibillion-dollar boon to their budgets. Unlike earlier coronavirus aid, states have broad leeway to use the money to plug budget holes, invest in certain infrastructure or address the “negative economic impacts” of the pandemic. A budget plan …

Some states plan big spending with Biden’s aid, others wait
3 years, 8 months ago

Some states plan big spending with Biden’s aid, others wait

LA Times  

In February, Atlanta Gov. Unlike earlier coronavirus aid, states have broad leeway to use the money to plug budget holes, invest in certain infrastructure or address the “negative economic impacts” of the pandemic. A budget plan passed by the Indiana Legislature allots $192 million in federal aid to pay off bonds for an Interstate 69 project and $900 million for …

Billions spent on coronavirus fight, but what happens next?
3 years, 8 months ago

Billions spent on coronavirus fight, but what happens next?

Associated Press  

Congress has poured tens of billions of dollars into state and local public health departments in response to the coronavirus pandemic, paying for masks, contact tracers and education campaigns to persuade people to get vaccinated. Congress eventually allocated $1.1 billion for Zika, but by then, mosquito season had passed in much of the U.S. “Something happens, we throw a ton …

California’s robust budget will get another $26 billion from new COVID-19 stimulus
3 years, 9 months ago

California’s robust budget will get another $26 billion from new COVID-19 stimulus

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom speaks about his 2021-22 budget proposal in January. California’s state budget, already poised to be flush with higher-than-expected tax revenues, will receive an additional cash infusion of $26 billion under the COVID-19 relief bill that President Biden signed Thursday, sparking demands for a wide array of new efforts to help those hit hardest by the pandemic. “With this …

Biden signs $1.9-trillion COVID-19 relief bill, a day earlier than expected
3 years, 9 months ago

Biden signs $1.9-trillion COVID-19 relief bill, a day earlier than expected

LA Times  

President Biden signed a sweeping $1.9-trillion coronavirus relief package into law Thursday, authorizing a massive infusion of federal aid aimed primarily at working families. “This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation, working people, middle-class folks, the people who built this country, a fighting chance,” Biden said after signing the bill …

House sends $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill to Biden’s desk
3 years, 10 months ago

House sends $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill to Biden’s desk

LA Times  

The House passed a $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic aid package Wednesday, sending to President Biden a sweeping measure that includes not only pandemic-related $1,400 checks and expanded unemployment benefits, but also the biggest expansion of Obamacare and hefty new tax credits to combat child poverty. The House passed a $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic aid package Wednesday, sending to President Biden a sweeping …

Biden American Rescue Stimulus Plan Provides $1,400 Checks : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR
3 years, 10 months ago

Biden American Rescue Stimulus Plan Provides $1,400 Checks : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR

NPR  

The Biden Relief Bill: Who Gets What Enlarge this image Alex Wong/Getty Images Alex Wong/Getty Images Right now, a bill that would spend roughly 1.9 trillion dollars into the economy is making its way through Congress. This is a big bill — at almost two trillion dollars, it's one of the biggest spending bills in American history, equal to roughly …

States pass their own virus aid, not waiting on Washington
3 years, 10 months ago

States pass their own virus aid, not waiting on Washington

Associated Press  

— Not waiting for more federal help, states have been approving their own coronavirus aid packages, spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help residents and business owners devastated by the the pandemic’s economic fallout. “It’s great news that states are doing well, many seeing revenues higher than projected, and are able to help their citizens during this pandemic,” he …

US Covid aid: Here’s when you’ll see help from federal government
3 years, 11 months ago

US Covid aid: Here’s when you’ll see help from federal government

CNN  

CNN — There’s lots of talk of all the federal assistance going to Americans and small businesses in need. President Joe Biden signed executive orders last week that will further augment food benefits, ensure more eligible Americans get their stimulus payments, provide protections for federal workers, and extend housing and student loan payment relief. As part of his $1.9 trillion …

Donald Trump signs $US2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill
4 years ago

Donald Trump signs $US2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill

ABC  

US President Donald Trump has signed into law a $US2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package, restoring unemployment benefits to millions of Americans and averting a partial federal government shutdown. Key points: The package includes $US900 billion in pandemic relief and $US1.4 trillion to fund Government agencies through to September It had already been passed by both the House and …

$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump
4 years ago

$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. “Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn’t heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the …

$900 billion COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump
4 years ago

$900 billion COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump

Live Mint  

Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. “So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.” The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the …

US House passes $900 billion Covid relief package
4 years ago

US House passes $900 billion Covid relief package

Live Mint  

The House easily passed a USD 900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Lawmakers tacked on a USD 1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle …

The COVID Relief Bill Makes One Big, Risky Bet
55 years ago

The COVID Relief Bill Makes One Big, Risky Bet

Slate  

The simplest way to think about the new, roughly $900 billion coronavirus relief package that Democrats and Republicans finally agreed to on Sunday night, after months of frigid stalemate, is that it’s a bridge to the spring. It puts cash in the hands of families, with a new round of $600 checks and an extra $300 per week of unemployment …

US Congress reaches deal on Covid-19 aid package
4 years ago

US Congress reaches deal on Covid-19 aid package

Live Mint  

U.S. congressional leaders reached agreement on Sunday on a $900 billion package to provide the first new aid in months to an economy and individuals battered by the surging coronavirus pandemic, with votes likely on Monday. Congress aims to include the coronavirus aid package in a $1.4 trillion spending bill funding government programs through September 2021. The House and the …

Here Is What's In The COVID-19 Relief Package
4 years ago

Here Is What's In The COVID-19 Relief Package

NPR  

Here Is What's In The COVID-19 Relief Package Enlarge this image toggle caption Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Updated on Dec. 30 at 11:15 a.m. Here are the highlights of what is in COVID-19 relief package that is now law, including $600 relief checks for many Americans, an assortment of aid for small businesses and money to purchase and …

Congress Passes $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Bill, Ending Months-Long Stalemate
4 years ago

Congress Passes $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Bill, Ending Months-Long Stalemate

NPR  

Congress Passes $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Bill, Ending Months-Long Stalemate Enlarge this image toggle caption Jacquelyn Martin/AP Jacquelyn Martin/AP Updated Tuesday at 11:40 a.m. Sponsor Message Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., criticized Democrats for insisting on a larger package for months and said, "With a new President-elect of their own party, everything changed. Although the overall contours of the …

US Congress seals deal to provide $900bn in COVID aid
4 years ago

US Congress seals deal to provide $900bn in COVID aid

Al Jazeera  

Long-awaited deal would give $600 direct payments to individuals and boost unemployment payments by $300 a week. The Senate’s top Republican and Democrat said on Sunday they had reached an agreement on a nearly $900bn package, a deal that would be the second-largest economic stimulus in US history, following a $2.3 trillion aid bill passed in March. “Anyone who thinks …

Close but not yet: Deal near on COVID-19 economic aid bill
4 years ago

Close but not yet: Deal near on COVID-19 economic aid bill

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators closed in Wednesday on a $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package that would deliver additional help to businesses, $300 per week jobless checks, and $600 stimulus payments to most Americans. House lawmakers returned to Washington Wednesday in hopes of a vote soon on the broader package, which would combine the COVID-19 relief with a $1.4 trillion …

Negotiators report progress on long-delayed COVID aid bill
4 years ago

Negotiators report progress on long-delayed COVID aid bill

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Top Capitol Hill Republicans labored Tuesday to keep the price …

White House says chances slim on pandemic aid deal before election
4 years, 2 months ago

White House says chances slim on pandemic aid deal before election

Live Mint  

Washington: The White House on Tuesday tamped down expectations for a major coronavirus relief package to be agreed upon by the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election, saying House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi was seeking too much. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the proposal from Pelosi's Democrats included stimulus checks for immigrants who are in the United States …

6 steps to ensure safe COVID-19 voting for Americans
4 years, 4 months ago

6 steps to ensure safe COVID-19 voting for Americans

LA Times  

With only three months to go before the November election and the coronavirus pandemic still a threat to public health, Congress and the states must do much more to help Americans exercise their right to vote without placing themselves in danger. Trump has falsely and recklessly accused congressional Democrats of seeking to “increase voter fraud.” But even some Republicans who …

Trump to Try Going it Alone on Coronavirus Aid after Talks with Congress Break Down
4 years, 5 months ago

Trump to Try Going it Alone on Coronavirus Aid after Talks with Congress Break Down

News 18  

White House officials trying to broker a deal on new coronavirus legislation will advise President Donald Trump to act on his own to deliver relief to Americans suffering from the pandemic, after talks with top Democrats in Congress broke down on Friday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said they would recommend that …

AP Exclusive: Aid from top donors drops even as need soars
4 years, 5 months ago

AP Exclusive: Aid from top donors drops even as need soars

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — A new snapshot of the frantic global response to the coronavirus pandemic shows some of the world’s largest government donors of humanitarian aid are buckling under the strain: Funding commitments, for the virus and otherwise, have dropped by a third from the same period last year. “We have not seen substantial funding for COVID, yet the situation is …

Report: State, local aid needed to avert 4 million layoffs
4 years, 6 months ago

Report: State, local aid needed to avert 4 million layoffs

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A new private sector report is warning anew of continuing damage to the economy if Washington doesn’t deliver several hundred billion dollars in budget relief to states and local governments amid the coronavirus pandemic. “For example, the $1 trillion in aid recently approved as part of the house’s HEROES Act would be enough to raise the eyebrows of …

Democrats push new $3T coronavirus relief bill through House
4 years, 7 months ago

Democrats push new $3T coronavirus relief bill through House

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Democrats have powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House, an election-year measure designed to brace a U.S. economy in free fall and a health care system struggling to contain a pandemic still pummeling the country. “Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going …

Democrats push new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through House
4 years, 7 months ago

Democrats push new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through House

India TV News  

Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace a U.S. economy in free fall and a health care system struggling to contain a pandemic still pummeling the country. “Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to …

Here's How Much Congress Has Approved For Coronavirus Relief So Far And What It's For
4 years, 7 months ago

Here's How Much Congress Has Approved For Coronavirus Relief So Far And What It's For

NPR  

Here's How Much Congress Has Approved For Coronavirus Relief So Far And What It's For Loading. The estimated cost also includes a new, temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the end of this year to help people who lose work as a direct result of the public health emergency. Cost reductions for individuals on federal health insurance programs: $8.6 billion …

Pelosi unveils $3T virus bill, warns inaction costs more
4 years, 7 months ago

Pelosi unveils $3T virus bill, warns inaction costs more

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion coronavirus aid package Tuesday, a sweeping effort with $1 trillion for states and cities, “hazard pay” for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals. Lines drawn, the latest pandemic response from Congress will test the House and Senate — and President Donald Trump — …

House rescue package includes $25 billion for Postal Service
4 years, 7 months ago

House rescue package includes $25 billion for Postal Service

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A new coronavirus aid package released Tuesday by House Democrats includes $25 billion for the cash-strapped U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to block the $10 billion loan unless the Postal Service significantly raises rates for packages delivered for Amazon and other big shippers. “That would be a tragic outcome.” Connolly, who chairs a House subcommittee that …

Highlights of Democrats’ $3 trillion-plus virus relief bill
4 years, 7 months ago

Highlights of Democrats’ $3 trillion-plus virus relief bill

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Democrats controlling the House have unveiled a $3 trillion-plus coronavirus relief bill — the fifth coronavirus response legislation so far — and are planning to pass the measure on Friday. ___ HAZARD PAY FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS Creates a $200 billion “heroes fund” that would provide a “hazard pay” supplement for essential workers such as first responders, health care …

COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. FEMA's Usual Response Is Missing
4 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. FEMA's Usual Response Is Missing

NPR  

COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. "I think this will be the biggest legal aid crisis we will face in my lifetime," says Laura Tuggle, the executive director of the nonprofit Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, who has also provided legal assistance in the region after hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, as well as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. …

Pelosi pushes new virus package as McConnell hits ‘pause’
4 years, 8 months ago

Pelosi pushes new virus package as McConnell hits ‘pause’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next coronavirus aid, a sweeping package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday it’s time to push “pause” on more aid. He said Tuesday he wants to prevent “an …

Somber Congress delivers nearly $500B more in virus aid
4 years, 8 months ago

Somber Congress delivers nearly $500B more in virus aid

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs. But right now we’re still in mitigation.” Anchoring the bill is the Trump administration’s $250 billion funding request to replenish …

US House passes US dollar 484 billion COVID-19 relief package
4 years, 8 months ago

US House passes US dollar 484 billion COVID-19 relief package

India TV News  

The US House of Representatives passed a US $484 billion relief package to boost funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for signature. In a previously approved US $2.2 trillion relief package, US $349 billion had been allocated to fund the PPP. Newly released data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics …

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