House Democratic Leadership continues to push Pennsylvania Rescue Plan to reimagine Pennsylvania’s recovery

Rep. Joanna E. McClinton    April 20, 2021 | 9:57 AM

HARRISBURG, April 20 – Pennsylvanians looking for relief from the hardships of the past year can look to the House Democrats’ Pennsylvania Rescue Plan for solutions that do the most good for the most people. The House Democratic Leadership team released the following statement on how the plan would strengthen communities, help working people and support businesses and families:

“We have a unique opportunity to drastically improve the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians with smart investments in people, businesses, health care and our workforce. The Pennsylvania Rescue Plan does just that by directing federal funds to help businesses get back on solid ground, invest in our frontline workers who were essential to getting us through the pandemic, repair our crumbling public schools so students can learn and teachers can teach in a non-toxic environment and strengthen our workforce through training tomorrow’s in-demand employees.

“Rather than maintain the status quo and refuse to address the inequalities we know existed even before the pandemic, the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan would allow us to direct funding to create the Pennsylvania we know we can achieve and foster a better environment for growth and success. Our plan will not only strengthen our economy but also create an attractive environment for both students and workers who will want to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.

“The time is now to move forward with investing in Pennsylvania’s success. We can do that with the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan. We urge our fellow legislators across the aisle to reimagine the possibilities of what we can achieve to lift our state and our constituents up and create a better tomorrow.”

Some key components of the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan include:

Investments in Businesses

  • $250 million to businesses unable to stay open or work remotely due to COVID-19.
  • $500 million to create jobs and kickstart the economy in local communities.
  • $200 million to connect everyone to high-speed internet and vital infrastructure.
  • $50 million to tackle climate change and prioritize clean energy.
  • $170 million to improve childcare for working parents.

Public Health Infrastructure and Preparedness

  • $511 million to train and pay direct care workers.
  • $15 million to modernize public health infrastructure.
  • $25 million to increase access to health care and telehealth.
  • $200 million to repair or replace toxic school buildings.
  • $75 million to invest in health care research and innovation.

Support for Families

  • $250 million to expand property tax and rent relief.
  • $250 million to promote affordable housing and local economies.
  • $250 million in hazard pay for front line essential workers.
  • $250 million to create a Paid Sick and Family Leave program.

Workforce Development

  • $25 million in grants for students in high-demand career training and adult learners.
  • $80 million to help community college students.
  • $10 million in impact payments for those whose unemployment checks were delayed.
  • $53 million for retirement savings plans for workers without an employer option.

A more detailed breakdown of the PA Rescue Plan is available online.

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