Representative Angie Craig, Minnesota Families, Local Leaders and Small Business Owners Applaud Passage of the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig voted to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a wide-ranging economic relief package designed to provide financial support to struggling Americans, deliver assistance to small businesses as well as local governments and contain the COVID-19 virus by distributing billions of dollars to support vaccine distribution and testing.

"With thousands of Americans falling victim to the COVID-19 virus every day and millions still out of work, there is no question that the time for decisive action is now," said Representative Craig. "This ambitious plan – which is overwhelmingly supported by Democrats, Republicans and Independents in Minnesota – provides the resources necessary to jumpstart our economic recovery, deliver immediate relief to American families and finally turn the tide in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I am incredibly proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan – and to announce to Minnesotans that additional help is on the way."

The final version of the relief package – which now heads to President Biden's desk for signature – includes a provision spearheaded by Representative Craig to expand the definition of dependents eligible for economic assistance payments. Rep. Craig introduced legislation last year to expand the definition of dependents in the COVID-19 relief packages. That definition was included in the American Rescue Plan.

"We are grateful for Congresswoman Craig's advocacy to make certain that our son Josh is eligible for the stimulus check in the bill that is now set before the House," said Debbi and Victor Harris, from Eagan, Minnesota. "My husband is a retired officer from the USMC — he served over 33 years, from Vietnam to leading a platoon in Fallujah, Iraq. I am retired as well, but consult with Family Voices of MN and serve as a director on the board of The Arc of the US. Joshua has complex medical needs and is dependent on technology. He enjoys his life at home, with his family, where he is safe and well-cared for. However, while other couples our age can down-size, our home has been completely modified for Josh's nursing care and his accessible needs. The costs increase each year, while our incomes do not. The stimulus is critical for keeping dependent adults with disabilities happy and safe in their homes, with their families, during these challenging times. We are most thankful for this necessary support."

The bill also includes a $28.6 billion Restaurants Revitalization Fund, which would provide financial support to struggling food and drinking establishments.

"Local restaurants and bars were some of the first small businesses to feel the impact of this public health and economic crisis – and many of us are still feeling the effects today," said Abdi Mohamud, Owner of Tawakal Restaurant in Burnsville. "Our futures have been in jeopardy since the first day of this pandemic – which is why many of us have needed additional support from Congress to overcome these new and unprecedented challenges. I am grateful for Representative Craig's work in Congress to lend a helping hand to struggling small businesses like mine, and for her tireless advocacy on behalf of restaurants and bars back home in Minnesota."

The legislation also delivers $350 billion to state and local governments that have been stretched thin by increased expenditures and shrinking budgets during the COVID-19 crisis. The additional funding will help to ensure the reliable delivery of services and prevent widespread layoffs of government employees like police officers, teachers and firefighters.

"The federal funds included in this relief package will help Minnesota's counties and cities care for our constituents while maintaining balanced budgets – preventing extensive layoffs, service cuts or other changes that could harm our quality of life here in South St. Paul," said South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis. "I am grateful to Representative Craig for her leadership in helping to pass this critical bill – and eager to apply these resources to crushing the COVID-19 virus and strengthening our communities in Minnesota."

"This federal legislation is precisely what cities need to ensure that our fiscal and municipal planning will not be permanently disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic. Limiting tax increases for our rural residents and businesses amidst the continued financial uncertainties of the pandemic, we passed 2021 budget cuts that negatively impacted the livelihood of our front-line workers. To ensure pandemic-impacted essential services remained stable, we pushed other important planned services and infrastructure in public works and public safety down the road somewhat indefinitely. Our economic development authority made low interest loans to the hardest hit businesses before state and federal relief was available. These were the tools we had at the time, but none of these strategies are sustainable long term," said Wabasha Mayor Emily Durand. "With the stability offered by the federal relief package, we can get back to addressing the challenges of local government. We can prevent service cuts or other changes that could harm our quality of life as we continue to face the uncertainty of impact of the virus on daily life. I am grateful to Representative Craig for her leadership in helping to pass this critical bill and eager to apply these resources to strengthening our communities in Southeastern Minnesota."