BUCKS COUNTY – April 29, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) joined his Democratic colleagues for a virtual press conference to unveil the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ plan to allocate federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds Wednesday morning.
The Pennsylvania CARES Plan, which is supported by the entire caucus, offers a set of spending priorities to best use the $3.9 billion in federal CARES ACT funding the commonwealth is set to receive. A major focus of the PA CARES Plan would fund initiatives that help individuals and families, such as housing assistance programs, student debt relief, veterans’ assistance, utility assistance, and food bank support.
Other aspects of the proposal would allocate additional assistance to frontline workers, funding for the health care industry and its workers, small business grants, and much-needed support communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts and local governments would also receive support to help offset pandemic-related expenses.
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of the Pennsylvania CARES Plan.” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I have been hearing from small business owners, families, school districts and frontline workers across Bucks County about the vital need for resources to help get them through these uncertain times. The proposed spending plan provides needed support for our communities and businesses that have been hardest hit during the Coronavirus pandemic. The PA Cares Plan ensures the nearly $4 billion in one-time federal funds that we will receive is allocated to those that are providing the goods and services Pennsylvanians rely on each day as we navigate this health crisis.”
Highlights of the PA CARES plan include:
- $1.1 billion for assistance for working people
- $900 million for education and childcare initiatives
- $650 million for health care industry & frontline workers assistance
- $425 million for small businesses
- $350 million for local government assistance
- $300 million for historically disadvantaged communities
The Senate Democrats’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic remains focused on helping working people, families and Pennsylvania’s small businesses. Members of the caucus have a number of proposals to address COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts in Pennsylvania.
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