$1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to benefit many
Posted on Mar 30, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, MainHawai‘i
’s share of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden provides a major infusion of federal funding at a time when the state and its residents need it the most. “This gives us much-needed breathing room so that layoffs and furloughs aren’t necessary in the foreseeable future,” said Governor Ige. The legislation means that the State of Hawai‘i and the four counties will receive about $2.2 billion in assistance to bolster state and county budgets and more funds for healthcare, education and other critical needs.
The relief package extends unemployment benefits of $300 a week through Sept. 6 and provides direct payments to qualified single taxpayers and married couples and dependents. In addition, it provides additional funding for education — both the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii, SNAP, childcare and Medicaid programs, rental and mortgage assistance, COVID-19 response such as vaccinations, public health programs, small businesses and non-profits, Native Hawaiian education, and transportation. The breakdown includes $1.6 billion for the State of Hawai‘i; $365 million for the City and County of Honolulu; $36 million for the County of Hawai‘i; $13 million for the County of Kaua‘i; and $30 million for the County of Maui. The state will also receive an additional $116 million for critical capital projects for pandemic response, education and healthcare. More details on fund distribution will be provided in the coming weeks as the state receives guidance from the federal government.