WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) hosted a Telephone Town Hall on the evening of Monday, March 15th to provide an overview of the American Rescue Plan, which was just signed into law by the President last week. More than 4,000 residents in Maryland’s 8th District and beyond joined to learn about key provisions in the Plan to defeat the coronavirus, engineer economic recovery, and deliver urgently needed direct relief to the American people. Following an overview of the Plan, Rep. Raskin took questions from callers, including questions from Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker and Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird. 

In his presentation, Rep. Raskin outlined several essential funding provisions in the American Rescue Plan, including:

• $20 billion to establish a coordinated, nationwide COVID-19 vaccine program
• $1,400 stimulus checks going directly to the American people, following the $600 down-payment enacted in December and fulfilling President Biden’s promise to provide $2,000 in direct relief
• Extending $300-per-week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits to September 6, 2021
• $37.5 billion for emergency rental assistance and $5 billion to help Americans pay their utility bills
• Increasing the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 for every child aged 6 to 17 and $3,600 for every child under the age of 6
• Increasing eligible expenses for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to $8,000 for one qualifying individual and $16,000 for two or more qualifying individuals
• Extending SNAP maximum benefits by 15 percent through September 30, 2021
• $37.5 billion for emergency housing and rental assistance
• Lowering and eliminating health insurance premiums for millions of lower- and middle-income families
• $350 billion for new Coronavirus Relief Funds for cities, states, tribal governments, and U.S. territories, with the Maryland State Government soon receiving $3.87 billion directly
• $7.25 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expanding eligibility to include 501(c) nonprofits of all types and sizes
• $15 billion in additional funding for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments

Rep. Raskin additionally answered questions from 8th District residents on a range of issues, including Maryland’s vaccination program and how Maryland will benefit directly from the new funding, how individuals can receive the Economic Impact Payments, relief for small businesses, housing assistance, and more. Click here to listen to Rep. Raskin’s Town Hall.

As funds are distributed through the plan, Rep. Raskin will continue hosting Telephone Town Halls to provide additional details on the American Rescue Plan’s provisions and funding, including how Maryland state and county governments will benefit. Those interested in joining future Telephone Town Halls are encouraged to visit Rep. Raskin’s website here or sign up for his e-newsletter here. 

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