American Rescue Plan
1. American Rescue Plan
On Sunday, March 7th, the Senate approved a $1.9 trillion aid package and it is heading back to the house for a revote this week then onto the President’s desk. This package includes another round of stimulus checks of up to $1,400 for millions of Americans; an extension of the $300 weekly unemployment benefits through Labor Day; and a benefit of $300 per child for those age 5 and younger — and $250 per child ages 6 to 17. The bill also includes $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments; $130 billion to primary and secondary schools; $35 billion for higher education; $14 billion for the distribution of vaccines; health and workplace safety; works to prevent eviction and foreclosure and provides relief for small landlords and restaurants, among others; and $12 billion to nutrition assistance. Majority Leader Schumer estimates that this package delivers $100 BILLION to New York for a variety of programs and services, such as state and local relief ($23.8 billion), k-12 schools ($9 billion), higher education ($2.6 billion), COVID vaccine and testing ($4 billion) This is the second biggest stimulus package in our nation’s history. The House is expected to vote on the Senate bill on Tuesday.
Empire Pandemic Grant Program
Over the weekend, Governor Cuomo announced a $29 million grant program to provide essential workers, including educators, with reimbursement out-of-pocket childcare, transportation, lodging and other qualifying expenses that enabled workers to perform their duties. Grants up to $1,000 will be available to qualifying families (income for family of four of $125,470 and below) and are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are exhausted. The application process is not yet open.
Free NYSTRS webinars by NYSUT
- TRS Webinars:
Free NYSTRS webinars by our NYSUT endorsed TRS trustee, Sheila Buck, on March 23 and April 7 from 4-5:30pm. Advanced registration is required:
March 23 – REGISTER HERE
April 7 – REGISTER HERE