Dear John,

Since the American Rescue Plan was passed last week, we’ve engaged thousands of Minnesotans to share reactions to how the bill is serving us, where it fell short, who it left out, and what we need to keep fighting for.

Below are your reactions to the American Rescue Plan and the issues we heard about most. We’ll be bringing them to our elected officials in the coming weeks to impact future legislation and the funding coming to Minnesota because of this bill. If you didn’t already, sign up to join us in meetings with our legislators.

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💸 While progressives fought hard to include a minimum wage, it didn’t get through. We’re disappointed and frustrated.

Annie: “I love the funding for state and local government, and I’m hoping my school district can get some support. I am disappointed the $15 minimum wage didn’t make it.”

Angie: “I think Republicans and Democrats need to work together a lot more to raise the minimum wage. Republicans are being way too selfish about what they want. That needs to stop. Myself, and Americans, would be served a lot better if Republicans would respect the President when he says he wants to give the people a raise. He's right, we need one.”

❌ While stimulus checks are helpful, the reality is that student debt is still keeping Minnesotans down. We need to cancel it.

Jill: “We need STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS! I'm a physician assistant and have paid over $70,000 in just interest alone over the past 10 years. At a 7.5 percent interest rate with a balance still at $130,000, I (as a frontline worker) will never pay this off. Oh, and my wife is a mortician/funeral director and is in the same position: an insane amount of student loan debt, low wages and has worked even more than I have during this pandemic as a ‘last responder’! And we didn’t qualify for stimulus checks!”

🌈 The American Rescue Plan provides critical, long-awaited relief. But we’re thinking bigger. We want a government that puts people at the center and invests in #WhatWeNeed to thrive.

Latonya: “Love it. So appreciative that Biden is in office. I'm considered middle income, but I am a single parent of three children. Food is a struggle sometimes. Bills have tripled while being at home. Wish there was more help with utilities.”

Dawn: “I've gone from working 60 hours a week to working a few hours a week here and there. I'm a personal care assistant, and people have cut back on who they want to have coming into their homes. The child credit could last longer. I don't receive child support for my 14-year-old son. $250 isn't much, but it would help take the edge off. Even when working, I make $13.25 an hour, and I still qualify for SNAP, Medical assistance, and LIHEAP.”

Angela: “I think it is fantastic. I'm glad they extended unemployment through September, but that may be needed into 2022. I'm not unemployed, but we need to take care of those who currently are experiencing joblessness. If we don't figure out how to provide healthcare for all and a livable minimum wage, we won't ever fully recover.”

Tom: “The bill is good, but darn, what a wimpy response. Not taxing unemployment is huge for our house, but just give us the $600 AND the $2,000. I know we’ve got the money. Look at how many stupid fighter jets we buy.”
Christopher: “It can go much further. I'm in a bracket that doesn't qualify, and that's fine, but people are hurting and need help. Median rent in Minnesota is $1,554. The ‘bailout’ barely covered 2 months.”

We’re buoyed by the fact that, while we need more to recover from COVID-19 and create a government by us, for us, there’s overwhelming support for the American Rescue Plan. According to recent polling by Navigator, 70 percent of Americans support the bill. This is a key moment to push for the communities we dream of.

Sign up to meet with your legislators. Let’s tell them our stories and share our vision for a world where everyone can live healthy, joyful lives.

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In solidarity,

Katie
she/her
Movement Building Director

P.S. Text ACTION to 79606 to act with us at crucial moments in upcoming weeks.



Paid for by TakeAction Minnesota

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Saint Paul, MN 55114
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