Dear John,

Building back better means three things: more jobs, tax cuts for working families and lower costs. And we're going to pay for it by finally making the wealthy and mega-corporations pay their fair share in taxes.

The proof is in the numbers: the American Rescue Plan is working. Economic indicators, from unemployment rates to consumer spending, indicate we're full steam ahead toward the most GDP growth in 40 years.

In NEPA, we're going to Build Back Better through infrastructure, which is something that I've been advocating for since I first got to Congress eight and a half years ago.

This week, the U.S. Senate passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would bring money to our area to fix and improve our transportation, transit and water systems. 

Northeastern Pennsylvanians stand to benefit from this investment, as it creates good-paying jobs and expands our middle class. I'm especially proud that it includes a major funding boost for Amtrak, which will be critical to putting our area back on the rail map and growing our economy. This is a historic investment in the future of our country and I look forward to getting it across the finish line.

NEPA has a rich culture of arts and music, so when the pandemic shut down big concert venues and performance spaces, I knew we needed to do something to keep these industries from closing their doors forever. 

In December 2020, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program was established through the American Rescue Plan. I'm proud to announce that this program is delivering $10.7 million to 12 entertainment businesses in NEPA, which will help people get back to work with good-paying jobs. 

On August 3rd, President Biden announced a CDC eviction moratorium to protect millions of Americans from losing their homes and provide relief to landlords who are struggling to stay on top of their mortgages and expenses.

Keeping people housed during the public health crisis and providing support to homeowners is not only the right thing to do, it helps mom-and-pop landlords stay above water and keeps families off the street. 

I'm committed to working with state and local emergency rental assistance programs to help homeowners and renters in the coming months. If you or someone you know is behind on rent, click the link below to find a rental assistance program in our area.

Reminder: Health Insurance Special Enrollment Period Ends Sunday, August 15th

The American Rescue Plan lowers health care costs for thousands of Pennsylvanians through its enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits. It also expands access to coverage and opened a Special Enrollment Period for additional Americans to get covered before the end of the year.

You have one last chance to sign up for health insurance and see if you can save on your monthly premiums. 2.5 million Americans have already signed up through this Special Enrollment Period.

If you're uninsured, don't miss the deadline to get covered. Go to PENNIE.COM to submit your application before Sunday, August 15th at midnight. 

Be safe and well,