COVID-19 Relief Bill Passes – What It Means For Capital Region

News 10 ABC is reporting that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of a sweeping $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Wednesday.

So what does this mean for you and me here in the Capital Region? President Biden is expected to sign the American Rescue Plan Act on Friday. Following that most Americans should see a direct $1400 stimulus payment shortly. The bill would also provide extended emergency unemployment benefits.

But what does this really mean for us? In terms of the $1400 stimulus payment I am happy that those in need will be getting something and $1400 is a lot of money that is not to be discounted. At the same time for most in the Capital Region this is what $1400 will get you:

• 1 month's rent (Average is $1299/mo)
• 3 car payments (Average is $400/mo)
• 10 month's of car insurance (Average is $133/mo)
• 28 tanks of gas for your vehicle ($50 each fill-up)

You get the idea. I am not scoffing at the $1400. This will certainly help me pay bills and help others with their needs. What I am saying is that it will be gone in a flash and then what? For those struggling to find work that is a very real question.

“For weeks now, an overwhelming percentage of Americans – Democrats, Independents, and Republicans – have made it clear they support the American Rescue Plan,” Biden said in a statement following the House vote. “Today, with final passage in the House of Representatives, their voice has been heard. Now we move forward with the resources needed to vaccinate the nation.”

 

Once this got to the House, congress approved with a 220-211 vote yet Republicans were less than enthusiastic.

 “This isn’t a rescue bill, it isn’t a relief bill. It’s a laundry list of left-wing priorities that predate the pandemic,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California.