WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) released the following statement on the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, the latest COVID-19 stimulus bill: 

“One year ago today, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the first cases of COVID-19 in the state. Since this day, the lives of Michiganders and residents in the 13^thCongressional District have been forever changed. We’ve lost loved ones and families continue to struggle to make ends meet even more so today because of this public health and economic crisis. 

“Today, I voted for the American Rescue Plan because this $1.9 trillion package is a critical lifeline for not only our residents in a form of a direct payment, but for our local governments, states, and school districts to ensure that our neighbors continue to get the services they greatly need. The American Rescue Plan will provide $150 billion to schools across the country, provide direct housing assistance, nutrition assistance for 40 million Americans, expand access to safe and reliable childcare and affordable health care, extend unemployment insurance, and support 27 million children with an expanded Child Tax Credit and more than 17 million low-wage workers through an improved Earned Income Tax Credit. This legislation also provides essential funding for expanded vaccine distribution and seeks to address the disparities we’ve seen in communities of color. In addition, in the 13^th Congressional District, Wayne County and communities within the district will receive more than $1.2 billion in local and municipal aid from this bill.  

“Let me be clear, while this bill has many provisions that will help families across the United States, I am disappointed that the Senate sent us back a bill without a $15 minimum wage increase. My residents sent a clear message with the election of President Biden and Vice President Harris that they wanted bold action on the issues they are facing. They do not want that progress to be hindered by a handful of senators and an unelected parliamentarian. Moving forward, our residents cannot afford for Democrats to negotiate against themselves. We were sent here to work on behalf of and for the people – they deserve us doing everything we can to deliver for them.”