|
March 31, 2021
Dear Friend,
Many of you have probably already received your $1,400 stimulus checks as part of the American Rescue Plan, the latest coronavirus relief bill that I helped to pass and President Biden signed into law.
How has the American Rescue Plan helped you?
Click here to share your story
Whether you’ve been helped by enhanced Unemployment Insurance, received a PPP loan for your small business, were able to get a free coronavirus vaccine, or earned a higher Child Tax Credit, I want to hear your story. North Texans have overcome some major challenges this past year, and it is my aim to inspire others with stories of hope for our community’s recovery.
While the stimulus checks will give a jolt to our recovery economy, there is much more to this strong, targeted relief bill. I wanted to take some time to make sure you are aware of all of the programs available to you, the support the American Rescue Plan provides for our region, and the incredible progress we've made in the weeks since it passed. Keep reading for a closer look at the American Rescue Plan.
The quickest way back to normal is to get more shots in arms to deliver immunity against the coronavirus, so that we can safely reopen schools and businesses. The American Rescue Plan drastically ramps up vaccine production and distribution by:
- Establishing a national vaccination program
- Supporting FEMA sites like the one at Fair Park
- Boosting state and local vaccination efforts
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services announced that all adults are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. For more information on where and when Texans can get the vaccine click here.
Click here to watch my video on vaccines and the American Rescue Plan.
Rescue Payments
The American Rescue Plan provides a new round of rescue checks of up to $1,400 for individuals.
You can track your stimulus payment by using the IRS's Get My Payment tool. If you run into issues, my office can help you deal with the IRS. Give us a call in Richardson at (972) 972-7949 if you need help retrieving your stimulus payment.
Enhanced Unemployment Allowance
Folks who have lost their job during the pandemic will also continue to receive an extra $300 in Unemployment Insurance. Since February 2020, more than 600,000 Texans have lost their employment and 2.3 million report not having enough food to eat.
Help for renters and homeowners
If you cannot afford your rent or mortgage payment as a result of the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan created an Emergency Rental and Homeowner Assistance fund for folks who need a lifeline in order to remain in their homes. Visit the Texas Department of Housing website here for information on how to access that fund.
Families will get a big boost from the American Rescue Plan’s provision to scale up the Child Tax Credit (CTC), increasing the amount families receive from $2,000 to $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 for children older than 6. It also alters the distribution of the CTC, by allowing families to receive the money as up-front monthly payments instead of one lump sum when they file their taxes.
This critical increase in the Child Tax Credit will affect the families of more than 6 million Texas children and will lift more than 500,000 children out of poverty in our state.
Texas received more than $12 billion in relief for K-12 schools as part of the American Rescue Plan. As the son of a public school teacher, and a father myself, education is so important to me. I was glad to help deliver this critical assistance to reopen schools safely and support our children, educators, school administrators so we can keep schools and child care centers open.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and they’ve been hit hard by COVID-19. To ensure the small businesses we love and the workers they employ can weather this crisis, the American Rescue Plan includes more PPP funding and prioritizes businesses with less than twenty employees. The plan also creates a $28 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund. When applications open, my office is here to help you through the process. Keep an eye on the SBA's COVID-19 relief portal or give us a call at 972-972-7949.
Local governments across North Texas provide critical services we all rely on and employ our first responders, teachers, and other frontline workers. The American Rescue Plan provides needed funds to keep these essential workers employed and to help increase vaccination efforts.
I invite you to share how the American Rescue Plan has helped you and your family here. If you have questions or need help accessing any of the programs or assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan, please visit the resource guide on my website or call my office to speak with one of my caseworkers at (972) 972-7949.
I will continue to work in Congress to deliver on behalf of North Texas, where I was born and raised. As always, it is an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Colin Allred
Member of Congress
Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter
|
