COVID-19 Relief Bill
Last month we reported that President Trump signed had signed the $1.4 trillion spending bill and accompanying $900 billion economic stimulus package. The Bill was very lengthy, and at that time, our committee did not have sufficient time to research the details that the bill contained prior to the submission of our Committee’s report deadline. Now that it has been out for a few weeks, we will present a few highlights on the stimulus portion of the Bill:
• Stimulus Checks: The new stimulus package will provide a one-time stimulus check of $600 for each eligible individual based on the same income limitations for the first stimulus check, which is a 2019 income less than $75,000 for each individual and $150,000 for each married or joint filer. Eligible dependents 16 and younger can qualify for $600 stimulus checks, while married and joint filers can get $1,200.
• Jobless Benefits: The new stimulus package includes $300 a week for enhanced unemployment insurance. The extension runs at least through March 14.
• Emergency Rental Assistance & Eviction Moratoriums: The stimulus package includes $25 billion of rental assistance to protect vulnerable Americans who are at risk of losing their home. There is also a one-month extension of the federal eviction moratorium.
• Relief for Businesses: The bill includes more than $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofit organizations and news outlets, and modifications to the program to serve small businesses, nonprofit organizations and independent restaurants.
The package provides $15 billion for the entertainment industry, including independent movie theaters, entertainment venues, music clubs and cultural institutions. The money marks the largest public rescue of the arts and entertainment industry in U.S. history and gave some reassurance to “Save Our Stages” efforts begun during the pandemic.
The Bill also includes $20 billion for targeted grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program.
• Vaccine Distribution: The bill includes $20 billion for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines “that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it. It also provides $8 billion for vaccine distribution and includes $20 billion to assist states with coronavirus testing.
• School Funding: Colleges and schools will receive $82 billion, including $22.7 billion earmarked for colleges and universities and $54.3 billion for elementary and secondary education. There is also a provision that provides $10 billion for child-care assistance.
• Transportation: The Bill specifies $45 billion for transportation, including $16 billion for another round of airline employee and contractor payroll support; $14 billion for transit; $10 billion for highways; $2 billion for intercity buses; $2 billion for airports; and $1 billion for Amtrak.
There are many other details associated with this Bill. The full document can be viewed at the following link:
https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-116HR133SA-RCP-116-68.pdf
Burlington City Council Vote on Charter
Last month our Committee reported that the Burlington City Council was to vote to add to the Annual City Meeting Ballot, a Proposed Charter Change on Regulation of Thermal Energy Systems in Residential and Commercial Buildings. The Burlington City Council vote was conducted on 12/14/2020 and motion was carried as amended. The City Counsels meeting minutes of the 12/14/2020 can be found at the following link:
https://go.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/Public
President Biden’s Executive Orders
President Biden wasted no time implementing his agenda and turning the page from the Trump years after he was inaugurated Wednesday, signing a slew of executive actions with more on the way. The new president signed 17 executive orders and other directives on the first day of his presidency in what administration officials have said is an initial wave of actions Biden will take in his first 10 days in office.
Here are just a few of the Executive Orders that our members may find of interest:
• Executive order reversing U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Executive order rejoining the Paris Climate Accords
• Executive order revoking permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and stopping oil and pausing gas leasing at Arctic refuge
Bernie Sanders Goes Viral!!
Well Senator Bernie Sanders really stole the show at the recent Presidential Inauguration, and who would have thought it would be because of mittens. It’s been the buzz on the media, and they are sure having some fun with it. Maybe they are just a bit jealous? You can find Bernie everywhere…go Bernie!!!
Dick Wilcox
GAC Committee Chair