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COVID stimulus ‘only the beginning,’ Massachusetts lawmakers pledge

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After both houses of Congress passed a $908 billion COVID-19 stimulus package on Monday night, Massachusetts lawmakers pledged to continue fighting for more aid after President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.

The lawmakers touted Democrats’ efforts to secure, at minimum, direct cash payments to Americans and rental and food assistance in the final stimulus deal, which comes nine months after the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The new aid package also includes enhanced unemployment benefits through the spring, billions of dollars for small business loans and funds for health care facilities and schools.

But the overwhelming message from the Massachusetts delegation is that more must be done — and soon. The lawmakers lashed out at Republicans for delays and for refusing to provide funding to states and municipalities hit with budget shortfalls and layoffs.

“With millions literally lining up in bread lines, this relief package isn’t even half a loaf,” Sen. Ed Markey said late Monday night. “This deal is better than the Republican alternative of nothing, but it must only be the beginning, a down payment on what is to come. This cannot be the last time that Congress speaks on this issue.”

The $908 billion package, expected to be signed by President Donald Trump this week, will deliver $600 stimulus checks to tens of millions of Americans earning less than $75,000, as well as $600 for each child dependent. For more on when checks will arrive and who’s eligible, read here.

The bill also includes an extra $300 in weekly unemployment insurance through mid-March; $284 billion in forgivable small business loans through the Payroll Protection Program; $20 billion in economic injury disaster loans in low-income communities; and $15 billion to live venues, independent movie theaters and other cultural businesses and nonprofits.

Markey, who previously called for recurring payments of $2,000 for most Americans, said the bill’s $600 stimulus checks and extended $300 boost in unemployment — including to gig workers and independent contractors — “will provide some temporary relief.”

But he advocated canceling student debt over expanding Pell Grants, and called for providing substantial paid sick time over a business tax credit.

“As utility bills pile up, legislation that does not prevent the cruel shut-off of gas, electric, or water will lead to massive, unabated energy debt,” he added. “Broadband funding that ignores the successful E-rate — a proven program that is ready to connect vulnerable students now to the internet — will do little to close the ‘homework gap’.”

Rep. Ayanna Pressley on Monday night blamed “Republican stonewalling and negligence” for record levels of food and housing insecurity, unemployment and immigrants’ being locked out of federal relief.

“I have consistently heard from parents in my district who have exhausted their entire savings to keep the lights on and cover the costs of groceries, diapers and formula,” she said. “I have heard from evicted seniors, immigrant families going hungry and essential workers deprived of (personal protective equipment) and access to paid leave and sick days. And I have heard from municipal leaders struggling to maintain critical jobs and services as the pandemic continues to worsen.”

Pressley called the vote long overdue, but said Congress’ work “is far from over.”

“I will continue to push for bold, comprehensive legislation that meets the moment and sets us on a path to a just and equitable recovery,” she added.

Rep. Jim McGovern took issue with Republicans backing $700 billion in military spending in the final appropriations bill of the year, at a time when “the GOP says there’s not enough money for cities and states” hit hard by the pandemic.

“While American families struggle to put food on the table and pay rent, that’s just plain wrong,” McGovern said.

Rep. Katherine Clark highlighted that the stimulus package included $10 billion for child care providers and $250 million to help Head Start program providers impacted by the pandemic. The bill also includes $69 billion for vaccine production and distribution, and coronavirus testing and tracing, she noted.

“This bill is way too late and way too little, but it does extend a bridge to a brighter tomorrow when the incoming Biden administration will work with the House to advance policies grounded in science and compassion,” she said.

“I voted for the COVID-19 relief package not because it’s perfect, but because (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell’s lack of compassion and President Trump’s focus on stealing an election he lost has forced us to choose between this or no relief at all,” Rep. Lori Trahan said. “Working families desperately need more help NOW.”

On Monday afternoon, Rep. Richard Neal said Congress must pass “additional, substantial relief and stimulus legislation in 2021″ to create jobs, support families and ensure state and local governments have enough resources to provide essential services and distribute vaccines.

“This deal is a good starting point and an important step in the short-term, but more must be done as the pandemic continues to grip the nation and the recession persists,” Neal said in a statement.

Democrats in the House approved a roughly $3 trillion stimulus package in mid-May, but the bill went nowhere in the Senate. Republicans have repeatedly proposed more targeted measures, with several expressing concerns over the rising deficit.

In the deal reached over the weekend, Democrats held off on repeated demands for state and local aid, while Republicans relented on a push for liability protections that would have shielded businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits.

McConnell on Monday evening noted that Senate Republicans “have been trying since July to get more targeted, bipartisan relief into the hands of the American people. Until the election, Democrats kept saying no. I’m glad for our country that we are finally moving ahead together.”

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