Washington, DC— Following today’s final passage of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill, the American Rescue Plan, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Today’s final passage of the American Rescue Plan is a massive legislative victory for the millions of people struggling through this devastating pandemic. The American people elected President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Congress members who they trusted to act on COVID-19, and they delivered. The bill provides much needed stimulus checks, funding for vaccinations, aid for the safe reopening of our schools, and it even carries the potential to cut child poverty rates in half. Even with the American Rescue Plan, there is much more to be done. Without the provision to raise the minimum wage, millions of low-wage workers, including a significant number of women with children, will continue to live without enough money to pay rent or care for their families. Following the American Rescue Plan’s passage, we urge Congress to raise the minimum wage, pass the For the People Act, and end the filibuster.”
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.