In the News

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Chicopee Mayor John Vieau joined Congressman Richard Neal in a discussion about the American Rescue Plan means for the city. 

Congressman Richard Neal visited Chicopee Friday to announce federal funding from the $1.6 trillion American Rescue Plan, $8.5 billion is going to Massachusetts and $29.9 million is for City of Chicopee and the Chicopee Public Schools will receive $24.6 million, to ensure and students can get back into school buildings safely. Mayor Vieau asserted residents that the city will distribute the money so that no sectors in need would be left out.

“I want to ensure all those who work live and raise their families in our community get the most advantageous use of these funds,” said Chicopee Mayor Vieau.

Congressman Neal said they looked at the poverty rates and Medicaid records to determine the total dollars for each individual community. He said Chicopee is getting a similar share to other cities with its size.

“Economists agree that the American Rescue Plan’s targeted, evidence-based action was needed – both for struggling families and for the American economy,” said Congressman Neal. “The legislation’s provisions will generate $1.25 for every $1 of spending, will cut child poverty in half and will lift nearly 12 million people out of poverty. I am immensely proud of the aggressive course of action the Ways and Means Committee contributed to this package including putting money directly into Americans’ pockets, and helping them better afford childcare and health coverage. This is a big deal for our country and it’s a big deal for cities like Chicopee who will have the opportunity to use this funding to make bold improvements that will benefit the city and its residents for years to come.”

“Like many other areas, the City of Chicopee was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures implemented to protect our citizens, initially as a health crisis and subsequently as an economic crisis, have taken their toll. Through targeted Federal and State grants, FEMA funds, and Community Development Block grant funds, the City has been able to address specific needs. The financial strain placed upon the City has impacted all departments, municipal areas, and it has affected every resident. The American Rescue Plan Act, led by Congressman Neal, offers municipal recovery funds that will greatly enable the City of Chicopee to hit the ‘restart’ button by allowing us to further invest in our City, our school district, and address the many challenges brought about by COVID-19. For that, we are grateful to Congressman Neal and his committee for helping to get us back to the new normal just that much faster,” stated Mayor Vieau.

Both Neal and Mayor Vieau also had a message for the doubters of the COVID-19 vaccines, urging them to trust the science so we can get to that new normal.

Coronavirus relief package

$1,400 stimulus checks capped at individuals making less than $80,000 per year and households earning $160,000
$300 per week jobless benefits through September
$130 billion for schools
$34 billion to expand Obamacare subsidies
$14 billion for vaccine distribution