Inslee statement on Biden signing the American Rescue Plan Act

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE |||

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today after President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act.

“The passage of the American Rescue Plan Act is welcome news for millions of Americans. I applaud President Biden and congressional leaders for acting so swiftly to pass this much-needed relief for communities, health systems, businesses and workers. Governors across the country have been urging the federal government for nearly a year to fund the full-scale testing, vaccination and economic assistance resources needed to beat this crisis. Our work is not done, and Washingtonians must continue to wear masks and observe social distancing. But with the resources now at hand, we can take a significant step closer to the day when vaccinations are commonplace and the virus is under control.

“Last month, I signed legislation making available $2.2 billion in federal funds appropriated in the December federal relief bill, to provide urgently needed economic relief. The American Rescue Plan Act will provide billions in additional funds for vaccinations, testing, school reopening, rental and utility assistance, flexible state funding, and more. I look forward to working with the Legislature and our state agencies to distribute those dollars as quickly as possible to communities in need.

“I want to thank those members of Washington’s congressional delegation who have worked tirelessly over the last year to fight for robust state and local aid, a national vaccine distribution plan, relief for our small businesses, and assistance to safely reopen our schools. Because of them, we now have the essential tools to ultimately defeat the pandemic and have an economic recovery that benefits all Washingtonians.”