Rep. Bowen Statement on Passage of New Federal COVID-19 Relief Legislation

MILWAUKEE – In response to this morning’s vote by the US House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and pass President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal COVID-19 relief plan, State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:

“Earlier today, I was greatly pleased to see Congress formally approve President Biden’s COVID-19 relief legislation, despite the fact that not a single Republican was willing to vote for this much-needed relief in contrast to their overwhelming support for 2017 tax cuts for the wealthiest of our country costing the exact same amount. $1.9 trillion may be a lot of money, but this package is a critical investment in working people across the country who have been suffering through the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. These funds will allow folks to stay in their homes, afford necessities, and provide a financial boost to our economy while the vaccine continues to roll out and we get closer to reopening our communities safely.”

Earlier this morning, the United States House of Representatives voted along party lines to approve President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief plan, following the Senate’s passage of the same bill this past weekend. Once signed by the President, this bill will provide $1.9 trillion in relief funding for the country, including up to $1400 stimulus payments for individuals and dependents, an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits, much-needed additional funding for state and local governments, funding to help schools reopen, billions of dollars in added funding to help roll out vaccines across the country, and other proposals targeted towards assisting middle- and working-class Americans.

“I remain hopeful that more support will build for a new $15 minimum wage standard in a separate standalone bill, while affirming we are in one of the best economic positions with one of the largest and most ambitious economic relief and anti-poverty bills in generations. From support for small businesses, to tax credits, to increased childcare subsidies, to expanded access to the Affordable Care Act, to expanded food and rental assistance and more to keep all of us afloat, this bill is a major win for the American people. I am proud to celebrate this bill package, I am grateful for the much-needed aid that will be coming to Wisconsin and our local communities and families, and I am excited to see what else President Biden and Congressional Democrats have in store to get us through this ongoing crisis.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.