House OK’s American Rescue Plan, sends to Senate

During the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 27, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the latest round of stimulus funding to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Included in President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion plan is $350 billion in emergency relief for states, local governments, tribes and territories. The legislation would also provide funding for housing, education, nutrition programs, unemployment assistance, vaccines and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The legislation would create new state and local coronavirus relief funds, with 60% of the $350 billion going to states, and 40% (about $140 billion) going directly to localities. Funds could be used to replace revenue lost or reduced as a result of the pandemic. The funds would be available until expended.

The House Oversight Committee has updated its estimates for states and localities (Excel file).

The bill now moves to the Senate, where leaders have indicated that they want to move quickly, as unemployment benefits are set to lapse on March 14. This leaves only two weeks for the Senate to pass the legislation, resend it to the House, and have a bill ready for the president to sign.

The status of the American Rescue Plan and other federal programs will be discussed during an MMA webinar on March 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. To register, contact Alandra Champion at achampion@mma.org.