State lawmakers propose $2.B COVID-19 relief package to support businesses, vaccinations
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Democrats in the Washington State Legislature released the outline of a $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief package Friday that aims to expand COVID-19 vaccine availability, provide support to schools, provide grants to small businesses and help with housing and food assistance.
The majority of the funding comes from federal stimulus dollars approved by Congress. The proposals are scheduled to receive hearings in the House and Senate next week.
“Our first priority is helping our neighbors in need, and I’m glad we are ready to move forward with real relief just two weeks into the legislative session,” said Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island).
The package includes:
$618 billion for vaccine administration, contact tracing, and COVID-19 testing.
$668 million for schools to help students catch up on learning loss during the pandemic.
$365 million for rental assistance to help tenants and landlords impacted by the pandemic.
$240 million for more than 12,000 small business grants to be administered by the state Department of Commerce.
$26 million for food assistance.
$50 million in grants to help childcare businesses stay open.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/state-lawmakers-propose-2-b-covid-19-relief-package-to-support-businesses-vaccinations/ar-BB1d0F8m?ocid=hplocalnews