Friend, 

It has been a long and difficult year since COVID changed our lives in full force. But today, I want to share some good news that wouldn’t have been possible without your support. 

You helped elect President Biden and Vice President Harris and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. And because of your support, last week President Biden signed into law the most consequential piece of legislation for working Americans in modern history - the American Rescue Plan. 

This COVID relief package is one of many progressive policies that I have been working on in the past 60 days that will help our communities now and in the future. Here are the specifics:

1. COVID Relief  

The American Rescue Plan - SIGNED INTO LAW

• $1400 stimulus checks for every Vermonter making below $75,000 a year
• $3,600 to children under 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17
• $1.3 billion for the state of Vermont and our local governments
• $27 million for vaccine distribution

2. Raising the minimum wage 

$15 per hour - PASSED THE HOUSE

• The minimum wage bill ran into the filibuster and Mitch McConnell in the Senate. Workers need a raise so we aren’t giving up and will keep at it. 

3.  Protecting the LGBTQ community

The Equality act- PASSED THE HOUSE

• Explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 

4. Expanding voting rights and defending democracy

HR 1 (For the People Act)- PASSED THE HOUSE

• Protects our democracy and makes it easier to vote by allowing for automatic and same day voter registration, reinstating the Voting Rights Act, ending partisan gerrymandering and exposing dark money in politics. 

5.  Police accountability and racial justice 

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act - PASSED THE HOUSE

• Comprehensively addresses systemic racism in law enforcement and reforms our public safety system to save lives. 

6. Protecting working Americans

Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO Act)- PASSED THE HOUSE

• This bipartisan bill is the largest expansion of collective bargaining rights in decades. 

7. Gun violence prevention

Background checks and closing the “Charleston Loophole” - PASSED THE HOUSE

• These measures to expand and enhance gun background checks are supported by over 80% of Americans. 

8. Equity for rural communities 

Broadband Expansion

• Last week I introduced an $80 billion broadband bill. Access to the internet is essential, now more than ever. This is about equity: ensuring all Americans, no matter their zip code, can participate in school, see their doctor, and work remotely. 

We are just getting started! With your help we will keep making progress - donate $5, $10, or $25 today. 

 

Thank you,

Peter