ICYMI: "Help is Here" Tour Showcases How the American Rescue Plan Helps American Communities

Yesterday, the "Help Is Here" tour highlighted how President Biden's American Rescue Plans helps American communities ? communities in all 50 states and U.S. territories, communities from big cities to rural America, Native American communities to small towns ? recover from the effects of the pandemic.

The direct aid for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments brings much-needed resources to municipalities and empowers them to ramp up vaccinations, safely reopen their schools, lift up their small businesses, and move their communities forward. Bipartisan governors, mayors, county officials, and local leaders across the country have expressed appreciation for the relief package direct investments in communities struggling in the wake of COVID-19, especially communities that have suffered disproportionately in recent months.

Here's what they are saying about the American Rescue Plan and "Help Is Here" tour:

Mayors

Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia, PA: "The #AmericanRescuePlan brings hope and long-overdue relief to Americans in need. More than 1 million Philadelphians will benefit from the stimulus payments the ARP provides. #HelpIsHere" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte, NC: "The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Here's a few facts on how this bill will affect North Carolina. https://t.co/Ghai4WB0xq " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville, KY: "In the #AmericanRescuePlan, Louisville is getting an enormous financial shot in the arm to help end & recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also boosts our work toward becoming a city of equity. Thanks to @POTUS & Congress for their actions!" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln, NE: "Just signed a proclamation declaring today, "Senior Services Appreciation Day" in #LNK to celebrate additional #AmericanRescuePlan funds directed toward caring for and supporting seniors in our community!" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Marcia Leclerc, West Harford, CT: "The ARPA gets direct aid for our state and local governments so we can ramp up vaccinations, safely reopen their schools, lift up small businesses, and move their communities forward. Thank you @JoeBiden, @JohnLarsonCT" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Levar Stoney, Richmond, VA: "The American Rescue Plan delivers direct relief to Richmonders and other VA localities surrounding us. Wondering how the American Rescue Plan helps you? Check here ???https://t.co/aEPO8MfX7f https://t.co/6dse9n6mpp " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Andy Berke, Chattanooga, TN: "Investing in early learning has always been a cornerstone of my administration. The child care credit in the American Rescue Plan will provide families with $300 for every child under the age of six. This moves more of working families out of poverty and strengthen our recovery." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Nan Whaley, Dayton, OH: "The American Rescue Plan is going to be incredibly helpful for our community. It will allow families keep food on the table, help cities pay for first responders, and cut child poverty by HALF. This is how we build back better." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madison, WI: "The #AmericanRescuePlan will change the course of the pandemic and deliver immediate relief to American communities, empowering us to come together, beat this pandemic, and rescue our economy." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Hardie Davis, Augusta, GA: "Now we've got an opportunity to restore our reserve funds while helping the most vulnerable in our community." Augusta to receive $80 million from federal COVID relief bill | WJBF

Mayor London Breed, San Francisco, CA: "It has provided $630 million to San Francisco, which can help us to close our budget deficit. That includes things like laying off police officers, cutting street cleaning services, and having longer 911 response times ? things that have a real impact on the lives of our residents." Breed says SF's budget saved from cuts thanks to Biden (radio.com)

Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA: "The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program for live venues and related businesses will start accepting applications on April 8! This is a part of the American Rescue Plan to provide aid to hard-hit small businesses." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville, KY: "In the #AmericanRescuePlan, Louisville is getting an enormous financial shot in the arm to help end & recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also boosts our work toward becoming a city of equity. Thanks to @POTUS & Congress for their actions!" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Paige Cognetti, Scranton PA: "Mayor Paige Cognetti joined community organizations this afternoon in a joint press conference to discuss the #AmericanRescuePlan and its direct impact on households, our community, and our long-term economic recovery. https://t.co/f2nblQ6T6c " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Erin Mendenhal, Salt Lake City, UT: "In #slc, we're focused on putting our allocation from the #AmericanRescuePlan toward an equitable, sustainable COVID recovery for the community with help and input from residents. #HelpIsHere https://t.co/oj8sBRwZZF " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Frank Jackson, Cleveland, OH: "It's like hitting the lottery or something. All of a sudden you've got relatives and family members and friends that you never knew you had before. There are a lot of people inquiring as to how they can help us spend money." [Article, 3/26/21]

Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego, CA: "From small business relief, to support for reopening our schools, to providing much-needed funding to maintain city services, the #AmericanRescuePlan is a lifeline for San Diego. Help is here and hope is on the way. #ForAllofUs" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago, IL: "Because of the #AmericanRescuePlan, the typical Chicago family of four is receiving a $5,600 check to help during these challenging times. If you're eligible for a stimulus check but haven't received it yet, check the status now ????[Tweet, 3/25/21] "

Mayor Van Johnson, Savannah, GA: "The #AmericanRescuePlan helps American communities ? communities in all 50 states and U.S. territories, communities from big cities to rural America, Native American communities to small towns to include #Savannah and #Augusta. The American Rescue Plan makes direct investments in communities across America that are struggling in the wake of COVID-19, especially communities that have suffered disproportionately in recent months. The American Rescue Plan provides support to American communities will distribute more than $360 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to keep frontline workers in their communities on the job and paid ? and distributing the vaccine, scaling testing, reopening schools, and maintaining other vital services as well as provide emergency grants, lending, and investment to hard-hit small businesses so they can rehire and retain workers, and purchase the health and sanitation equipment they need to keep workers safe. This includes a Small Business Opportunity Fund to provide growth capital to main street small businesses in economically disadvantaged areas, including minority-owned businesses." [Facebook post, 3/26/21]

Mayor Jerry Dyer, Fresno, CA (R) - VIDEO: "Today we kicked off our second 'Neighborhood Blitz' revitalization project. We hope to continue doing so with the portion of the money we are getting from the American Rescue Plan. #OneFresno #AmericanRescuePlan " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County, UT - VIDEO: "We are very grateful for the #AmericanRescuePlan and the resources coming to Salt Lake County. The ARP will enable the County to create new programs as well as continue funding successful programs that help those most in need." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus, OH: "The #AmericanRescuePlan is providing support to our neighborhoods, with emergency grants, lending, and investment to hard-hit small businesses so they can rehire and retain workers, and purchase the health and sanitation equipment they need to keep workers safe." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Allen Webber, Santa Fe, NM: "It's going to make all the difference in the world as we reopen. People are thirsty for the fun and joy that comes with the spring and summer in Santa Fe. And we can provide that with safety, because of the extra dollars and support that is sent our way through the rescue plan." [Article, 3/26/21]

Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA: "This is why I joined other mayors across America to urge Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan because of the critical relief it delivers to our communities. President Biden's America Rescue Plan is our road to recovery." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway, Madison, WI: "It is with great relief and an even greater sense of optimism that I share with you that help is on the way. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act will deliver $49 million in direct fiscal assistance to the City of Madison, ensuring our community has the resources we need to respond to, defeat, and look beyond the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, this legislation will provide federal dollars to address income, housing, and food insecurity locally." [Statement, 3/26/21]

Mayor Billy Barlow, Oswego, NY: "Small businesses were among the hardest hit at the beginning of the pandemic last March, continued to struggle due to economic restrictions throughout the pandemic and need assistance as they finally begin to re-open. Even as our economy re-opens, local, small businesses still face restrictions and many other challenges, and that is why immediately converting the loan funding to grant funding is so helpful and important." [Article, 3/26/21]

Mayor Jack Bradley, Lorain, OH: "The American Rescue Plan is a once in a lifetime opportunity for cities throughout the United States to reinvest in their communities due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It is my hope that Lorain will be able to assist citizens and businesses impacted by the pandemic. In addition, we can use some of the funds to improve our water and waste water infrastructure to ensure we deliver clean and economical fresh water to our citizens. The funds will also give us an opportunity to expand broadband throughout our community. The use of the funds will be finalized once the city receives further guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury." [Q&A , 3/26/21]

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln, NE: American Rescue Plan News Conference

Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City, UT: "This is an incredible opportunity to do so much good, both immediate and in the long term. In the years to come, I want Salt Lakers to be able to look around their neighborhood, and around their city, and see the results of the investments we'll start making soon in an equitable COVID recovery with this federal aid." [Article, 3/25/21]

Governors

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf: "Help is on the way for families, businesses, and communities in Pennsylvania. Thankful to the federal government and the lawmakers who made the #AmericanRescuePlan happen. These funds are critical to getting our commonwealth back on track after the pandemic." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Oregon Governor Kate Brown: "My 10-point economic recovery plan ??made possible by @POTUS's #AmericanRescuePlan ??will: ?? Invest in our workforce ?? Support rural communities ?? Get small business back on its feet ?? Safely reopen our economy And more. #HelpIsHere ?? The #AmericanRescuePlan will provide us with the much-needed resources to get Oregon's economy back on track in an equitable way. I've outlined how we will use these federal funds in my 10-point economic recovery plan. #HelpIsHere" [Tweet, Tweet, 3/25/21]

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy: "With aid to state and local governments, the American Rescue Plan means we can keep our frontline public health workers, first responders, and educators on the job and our communities moving forward." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Local Officials

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring: "The #AmericanRescuePlan will deliver over $154 million to Loudoun County. We are lucky to have a representative like @RepWexton working to provide the much needed relief for Loudoun county and our whole Commonwealth!" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Commissioner Keith Baker, Chaffee County, CO: "#AmericanRescuePlan: Provides over $360 billion in emgcy funding for state, local, territorial, Tribal gvmts to keep frontline workers on the job & paid ? distributing vaccine, scaling testing, reopening schools, maintaining other vital services. #CountiesMatter @COcounties" [Tweet , 3/25/21]

Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, MN: "The American Rescue Plan is the right plan at the right time. Read Hennepin County Board Chair @MarionGreene's letter to @POTUS and @VP." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

New York Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.: "The passage of the federal American Rescue Plan Act provided vital support to the people it represents. #AmericanRescuePlan #AmericanRescuePlanAct" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart, Philadelphia, PA: "The #AmericanRescuePlan can provide much relief for #PHL's finances. Yesterday we released an analysis on #COVID19's continued impact on our tax revenues. We will be conducting an analysis of the ARP funds including how this package can best be used to serve Philadelphians." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

City Councilman Scott Benson, Detroit, MI: "Thank you President Bidden for keeping your promise and ensuring that ALL American families receive relief from the pandemic. The American Rescue Plan will change the course of the pandemic, deliver immediate relief for hard hit Black families and small businesses, build a bridge towards economic recovery, and reduce poverty in Black communities by 34 percent. The bill is one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in history, with more than two thirds of its tax cuts and direct payments going to families making less than $90,000 per year." [Tweet, 3/26/21]

Councilman Karl de Jong, Sedro-Wooley, WA: "#AmericanRescueAct gives families an additional tax credit to cut child care costs. Families will get a refundable tax credit for as much as 1/2 of their spending on child care for children under 13, they can receive up to $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children." [Tweet, 3/26/21]

Councilmember Derek Green, Philadelphia, PA: "#ICYMI I recently had a chance to speak with the @PHLBizJournal about what the #AmericanRescuePlan means for Philadelphians as we prepare for upcoming Fiscal Year 2022." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Cities

Georgia League of Cities: "The passage of the #AmericanRescuePlan means billions will be given directly to local governments, including all 537 #gacities. What are your priorities for this funding? Help @leagueofcities understand where you are after the past year with this survey: https://t.co/5MjzGzWcPC " [Tweet, 3/25/21]

National League of Cities: "The direct aid for all local governments in the #AmericanRescuePlan will get much-needed resources to municipalities. Now cities, towns & villages can ramp up vaccinations, safely reopen their schools, lift up small businesses, and move their communities forward. #NLCDelivers" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

NACo Rural Caucus Chair: "The ARP will help support broadband expansion and close the gap in coverage only exacerbated by the pandemic as we have spent the past year trying to conduct our daily lives ? work, school, medical appointments and more ? from home.Rural counties also welcome aid that will upgrade and modernize our infrastructure, including our water and sewer systems. We will invest the aid in the American Rescue Plan Act wisely, creating safer, stronger communities and better lives for our residents." [Statement, 3/26/21]

Piscataway Township, NJ: "#HelpIsHere! Under the #AmericanRescuePlan, 77% of adults and 73% of children in our state will get economic impact payments. Its boost of the Child Tax Credit will help more than 1.6 million New Jersey children, bringing 89,000 out of poverty. Thank you President @JoeBiden!" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Hennepin County, MN Statement: Letter to President Biden re American Rescue Plan (hennepin.us)

City of Houston, TX: "The City of Houston thanks the @POTUS Biden Administration for the #AmericanRescuePlan. It is delivering direct relief to Houstonians, rescuing the American economy, & starting to beat the virus. Learn more about the American Rescue Plan: Impacts on TX" [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Cabinet Secretaries

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge: "Thanks to @POTUS's leadership in getting the #AmericanRescuePlan across the finish line: help has finally arrived for Tribal communities. I'm pleased to announce that a historic investment of $450 million is on its way to Indian tribes across the country in response to #COVID19." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland: "The work to restore our nation-to-nation relationships with tribal communities requires not just an all-of-agency approach but an all-of-government approach. Grateful to work in partnership across the Administration to elevate how the American Rescue Plan is building back better." [Tweet, 3/26/21]

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm: "Wondering how the #AmericanRescuePlan helps families, children, workers, and people all across America? Watch my Q&A." [Tweet, 3/26/21]

Tribal Communities

Cherokee Nation: "The Cherokee Nation today receives $20M, largest #AmericanRescuePlan funds for housing from @HUDgov among OK tribes, to help eliminate backlog of housing needs for citizens during pandemic recovery." [Tweet, 3/25/21]

Navajo Nation President Jon Nez: "Navajo Nation to receive nearly $50 million in HUD funding for affordable housing under the American Rescue Plan." [Tweet, 3/25/21]