Seattle (March 10, 2021) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement after the passage of the American Rescue Plan in the House:
“Help is on the way for Seattle residents and small businesses. This relief package proposed by President Biden recognizes the ever growing the impact this pandemic has had upon our communities and small businesses. The American Rescue Plan targets relief to cities and states that have for months been standing up new programs, and policies to address the deepening needs of the American people one year into this pandemic and economic crisis. This once in a generation bill would not have been possible without the leadership of President Biden, Sen. Murray, Sen. Cantwell, Rep. Jayapal and Rep. Smith.
“This package helps families and communities who have felt the heaviest impact of this pandemic. In addition to $1,400 direct payments to households, this bill provides continued rental and food assistance, additional funds for vaccines and testing, and small businesses and the hardest hit industries will get the support they need to recover.
“Our reopening and recovery start with vaccinations. We are making significant progress with nearly one out of every four residents with a first dose. In the coming weeks, I’ll be proposing a plan to kick start our economic recovery, support downtown and neighborhood small businesses, and address the critical needs of our residents including individuals experiencing homelessness. I look forward to working with Governor Inslee and County Executive Constantine to continue to coordinate our city and state’s recovery, further our efforts to vaccinate our communities, and provide help to those in need.”
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