The Rev. James Stokes remembers Grand Rapids following the slaying of George Floyd, when demonstrations devolved into rioting that left businesses damaged and scores of people arrested.
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ORLANDO, Fla. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan , it came with a $1.9 trillion price tag and one promise.
What You Need To Know
More than 53,000 Floridians working for local governments were laid off, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
CARES Act required money to be funneled to cities from states, counties
American Rescue Plan allows cities to get direct funding, has fewer strings
That promise was that the relief package would help American families and local governments steady themselves and begin to bounce back.
For many, enduring the year-plus long pandemic is crippling to their health, households and finances.
By Sophie Quinton
Mar 11, 2021
The mammoth COVID-19 relief bill headed to President Joe Biden’s desk includes $195 billion in direct aid to states and the District of Columbia and $130 billion in direct aid for cities and counties. States with more unemployed residents will get a greater share of the money.
Under the final bill, states and localities would have to use the funds to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and economic downturn through measures such as assisting small businesses, boosting essential worker pay, funding government services affected by a revenue shortfall or making infrastructure investments.
Governments can’t use the money to pay for tax cuts or to shore up pension funds.