The American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) delivers $1.9 trillion in aid. President Biden is supposed to sign the bill Friday, according to media reports.

Stimulus Checks

• The measure will provide $1,400 payments to individuals who make less than $75,000 a year and for married couples earning under $150,000.
• The maximum amount will be $1,400 for any eligible individual or $2,800 per eligible couple filing taxes jointly. Each eligible dependent — including adult dependents — also will qualify for a payment of $1,400. That means a family of four could receive as much as $5,600 in total.
• Reduced checks will go to individuals making $80,000 or less, single parents earning up to $120,000 and couples with household income of less than $160,000.

Child Tax Credit

• The measure provides a boost in the child tax credit.
• The credit, which is now at a maximum of $2,000, is being raised to as much as $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 per child between the ages of 6 and 16 for 2021. It will be paid out in monthly installments starting in this July and will include more low-income households.
• The expanded credit begins to phase out for those earning $75,000 a year or $150,000 for couples.

More Federal Aid

• The bill includes $14 billion aimed at speeding up vaccine distribution.
• The bill provides $130 billion for schools and colleges to reopen safely.
• $350 billion will be sent to state and local governments.
• It also has money for child care and assistance for states willing to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income residents.
• Other funding will be spent for mass transit systems, renters and small businesses.
• Federal unemployment payments of $300 per week will be extended through Sept. 6.
• An increase in the minimum wage was not a part of the House bill that just passed.

New York State Coronavirus Update 

Westchester Medical Center (WMCHealth) has launched a Mid-Hudson COVID-19 Vaccine Directory HERE.

• WMCHealth is serving as the coordinator for the Mid-Hudson Regional Hub of New York State’s Regional Vaccine Network. 
• Learn more on the WMCHealth COVID-19 Vaccine Page HERE.

Summary of Reopening Timeline

• Beginning March 15^th: Weddings and Catered Events Can Resume Statewide following guidelines HERE.
• Beginning March 19^th: Restaurants Outside New York City Can Move to 75% Indoor Capacity. The Food Services guidelines will be updated with this information.
• Beginning March 22^nd:
• Residential Gatherings
• Indoor gathering limit will continue to be restricted to 10 people
• Outdoor gathering limit will increase to 25 people
• Non-residential Social Gatherings
• Indoor maximum will increase to 100 people
• Outdoor maximum will increase to 200 people
• Beginning March 26^th: Indoor Family Entertainment Centers Can Open limited to 25% capacity though guidelines have not yet been issued. 
• Beginning April 2^nd: Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues Can Reopen, though guidelines have not yet been issued
• Restricted to 33% capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors
• With proof of a negative COVID test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors
• Beginning April 9^th: Outdoor Amusement Parks Can Open at 33% capacity though guidelines have not yet been issued.

$29 Million Available to Support Essential Workers and First Responders in NY State Through the Empire Pandemic Grant Program

• Program to Assist Essential Workers and First Responders with Urgent Economic Needs Amidst Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
• Up to $1,000 Available per Household from Funding Made Possible Through Private Donations
• Learn more HERE.

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