Congressman David Scott Applauds Passage
of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

 Scott Urges President to Swiftly Sign Bill and Send Emergency Relief to Georgia

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13) applauded passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a robust $2 trillion emergency bill providing health and economic stabilization from the coronavirus. The measure is now headed to the President’s desk for his signature.

“This funding is crucial to support workers, families, and small businesses during this time of unprecedented turbulence.  This bold step by Congress to address this health and economic crisis head on brings much-needed resources to our citizens, health systems, and state and local governments,” said Rep. Scott. “The people of Georgia have shown their incredible resilience over the past decade as our nation lifted out of a recession that cost many their jobs, homes, and livelihoods.  And though this health emergency will have a serious impact on our economy, through swift and decisive legislative action, Congress is working together to achieve a result that provides American workers and families the resources they need to weather this storm.” 

 “As Republicans and Democrats worked together to shape this bill, I am pleased that this final product provides strong programs that put the needs of American workers and families first and provide a lifeline to Georgia’s small businesses,” Rep. Scott added.  “I am proud to have worked with Democrats in Congress to push for the bold, pro-worker action that is desperately needed to protect the health and well-being of every American.  This is one step of the many lengths Congress will need to go to manage this crisis, and I am committed to work tirelessly and in a bipartisan way with my colleagues to promote legislation that supports the health, safety, and economic security of all Georgians and all Americans.”

Important initiatives in this historic legislation that will benefit Georgians include:

·         $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits:  Includes provisions to improve unemployment benefits by providing an additional $600 per week for the next four weeks, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.

·         Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans:  Provides Recovery Rebates or direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.

·         $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research:  Provides $200 billion to expand funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, N95 masks, gowns, and gloves.

·         $375 Billion in Small Business Relief:  Provides such small business relief as $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.

·         $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund:  Provides states and localities resources to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, including $4.12 billion for Georgia.

·         $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations:

o   Transit Agencies:  Provides $25 billion to protect the jobs and fund paychecks of the employees of transit agencies during this public health emergency.  Georgia will receive $518 million under this program.

o   HUD Emergency Solution Grants:  Provides $2 billion for grants to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance.  Georgia will receive $50.8 million. 

o   Child Care and Development Block Grant:  Supports child-care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.  Georgia will receive $143 million under this emergency appropriation.

o   Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):  Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.  Georgia will receive $42 million for this purpose during this public health emergency.

o   Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program:  Provides $850 million to state and local law enforcement agencies to obtain personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency.  Georgia will receive $25 million under this appropriation.

o   CDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards:  Provides $750 million to help agencies cope with the public health emergency.  The minimum award for our state is $16 million. 

o   Election Assistance:  Provides $400 million for grants for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections, make voting safer for individuals, increase the ability to vote by mail, expand early voting, and expand online registration.  Georgia will receive $10.8 million for these purposes.

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