National Black Justice Coalition Applauds House Passage of COVID-19 Stimulus Package
NBJC responds to passage of American Rescue Plan Act
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the House passed the American Rescue Plan Act, a COVID-19 stimulus package that will extend direct financial payments, rent moratoriums, unemployment benefits and increased food assistance to Americans in need while expanding child tax credits, educational block grants, increased funding for testing and increased aid to state and local governments, among other programs.
In response, representatives from the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, issued the following remarks:
“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act people who are in desperate need will be able to afford dependent care, health care, and mounting bills; state and local governments will be able to support their residents; surviving businesses will be able to keep paying their employees; and many of those who are unemployed will be kept from homelessness,” said David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “We celebrate this significant accomplishment of the Biden, Harris Administration and leadership in both chambers in Congress. While today is a step in the right direction, more is needed to address the impacts of structural racism and dismantle the systemic barriers that impede vulnerable communities from participating in our society. Our hope is that this is not the last step toward meaningful and measurable reform. Too often, people’s most fundamental needs go unmet in America. We will continue advocating on behalf of the beautifully diverse Black community to help ensure no one is left behind as we begin to rebuild from this pandemic.”
“As a parent and aunt, I am grateful that schools will have the resources needed to properly ventilate and protect students from contracting COVID-19. Our lives, our communities, our economy, and our country depended on Congressional leaders to do right by their constituents and the most marginalized in our society – thankfully they did. We are grateful that when President Biden signs the bill into law, help for many will be on the way,” said Victoria Kirby York, Deputy Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition.