A freshman member in the 117th Congress, Congresswoman Marie Newman represents Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District, which covers the Southwest Side of Chicago as well as its surrounding suburbs. A lifelong advocate for growing small businesses, protecting health care rights, strengthening our infrastructure and building a greener economy, Congresswoman Newman is the first woman in history to represent Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. In Congress, she currently serves on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, House Committee on Small Business, Congressional Labor Caucus, House Democratic Manufacturing Working Group, Democratic Women’s Caucus and as the Vice Chair of Communications for the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC).
“Americans have been asking Washington for a historic and bold relief package that meets the enormity of the challenges we face. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan lives up to that vision by putting shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and people in jobs. Not only is this relief plan practical – it’s popular, with major support from Democrat and Republican voters.” – Congresswoman Marie Newman
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our small businesses, workers and struggling families. In March 2021, Congresswoman Newman was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan, a historic stimulus package designed to crush the COVID-19 virus, rebuild our economy, launch a national vaccine campaign and provide Americans and small businesses with the critical relief they need and deserve.
Put Vaccines in Arms: The American Rescue Plan invested billions of dollars towards ensuring every American has access to a vaccine. Of the more than $20 billion invested to establish a national COVID-19 Vaccination Program, approximately $275 million went towards boosting Illinois’ vaccination rate. In March, Rep. Newman announced that eight community health centers with sites in IL-03 will receive more than $70 million total to boost vaccine distribution in our communities.
Put Children Safely Back in School: The plan made a nearly $130 billion national investment in school re-opening and making up for lost learning. Of that funding, more than $127 million is being invested into schools across IL-03 to provide them with the resources and supports to re-open schools safely for in-person learning. This funding is on top of the $1.8 billion being invested in the 638 schools in Chicago Public Schools.
Put Money in People’s Pockets: The plan finished the job on the President’s promise to provide $2,000 in direct assistance to households across America with checks of $1,400 per person, following the $600 down payment enacted in December. The plan also provided direct housing assistance, nutrition assistance for 40 million Americans, expand access to safe and reliable child care and affordable health care, extend unemployment insurance so that more than 20 million American workers can pay their bills and supporting 27 million children with an expanded Child Tax Credit and more than 17 million low-wage workers through an improved Earned Income Tax Credit.
Put People Back In Jobs: The plan provided crucial support for the hardest-hit small businesses, especially those owned by entrepreneurs from racial and ethnic backgrounds that have experienced systemic discrimination, with EIDL grants, expanded PPP eligibility and more.
Investments in Local Governments: The bill provided $360 billion for new Coronavirus Relief Funds for states and localities, including to help keep critical workers on the job. In total, municipalities across Illinois received $13.7 billion.
Supports for Transit/Airline Workers: This bill included $30 billion for transit agencies across the country to prevent, prepare and respond to the continued threat of the pandemic. As part of that funding, $71.5 million was invested into Midway Airport and $1.5 billion went towards Illinois transportation workers to ensure employees are supported throughout this pandemic and service can be fully restored.
Funding Breakdown for State, Cities and Municipalities: The American Rescue Plan provided an estimated $13.7 billion in relief to municipalities across Illinois, this includes: