Sandy Springs, GA – Today, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) applauded the passage of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, legislation that provides support for health care workers on the frontlines of this virus and provides economic relief to American workers, businesses, and families. The CARES Act now goes to the President’s desk for his signature.
“I am proud to support this bipartisan package, which I pray will bring relief to families and small businesses in Georgia and across this country,” said Rep. McBath. “We are living in unprecedented times. I know many Americans are feeling anxious about the health and financial well-being of our communities. This is a serious pandemic, and the worst may still be yet to come. But it is in these times that I am as proud as ever to be an American. The sacrifices I have seen Americans make for one another have proved that once again, as we have done throughout history, our country will conquer this crisis, together.”
“While we continue to fight this disease, every American needs to know that their government is there to support them,” McBath continued. “This latest piece of legislation is an important step in our ongoing effort to act decisively on behalf of the American people and ensure American workers, American businesses, and American families have the resources they need today and throughout this unprecedented time.”
Among the numerous initiatives to support the residents of Georgia, this historic piece of legislation includes:
- A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that Georgia will receive approximately $4.12 billion in funds.
- More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief: Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
- $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits: Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.
- Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Americans: Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household. These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
- Approximately $200 Billion for Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research:Provides an investment of about $200 billion in hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by health care workers, including ventilators, N95 masks, gowns, and gloves.
This third package builds on two bills already signed into law. Rep. McBath voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bipartisan bill focused on providing support for American families during this public health crisis. The legislation includes:
- Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test
- Paid emergency family and medical leave
- Enhanced Unemployment Insurance to protect furloughed workers
- Strengthened food security initiatives for students, seniors, and food banks
- Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face higher costs
Earlier this month, $8.3 billion in emergency funding was approved and signed by the President. That funding is being used for prevention and preparedness, emergency response, treatment, and vaccine development.