Rep. Leger Fernández Votes For American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement on the passage of the American Rescue Plan: 

“We made a promise to the American people to act boldly to rescue our country from the pandemic. Today, we delivered on that promise,” said Leger Fernández. “I’ve listened to mayors, local officials, Tribal leaders and families across my district, Republicans and Democrats. I asked them - what do you need to address this crisis? This plan answers their request for direct payments, for help to open their fairgrounds and small businesses. New Mexicans told us what they need. With the passage of this bill today, we are closer to recovery.”

This past weekend, Congresswoman Leger Fernández visited the El Centro Health COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Dixon to learn about the work health clinics are doing to serve rural communities. She also recently completed a virtual tour through New Mexico’s third congressional district to speak with local mayors, county commissioners and local officials about their individual needs to keep their communities safe and healthy through this pandemic. 

The American Rescue Plan includes key provisions for New Mexico including: 

Provides Debt Relief for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers: 

• Provides $4 billion in USDA farm loan assistance to help farmers and ranchers of color who have faced discrimination and helps them respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic. 

Cuts Child Poverty Rate in Half: 

• Makes the child tax credit fully refundable for 2021 and increases the annual amount from the current $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for a child under age 6).
• Currently 244,000 children in New Mexico don’t receive the full value of the credit and will benefit from the American Rescue Plan Act

Establishes a National COVID-19 Vaccination Program

• Provides $7.5 billion to distribute and administer COVID019 vaccines.

Aid to Provide Connectivity to Students and Communities:

• Provides $7.1 billion to reimbursing schools and libraries – central points for connectivity in many communities – to purchase equipment such as hotspots, internet service, and computers on behalf of students and patrons, essential for homework when in-person classes resume, as well as for hybrid and remote learning. 

Guarantees Funding to Assist Tribal Governments:  

• Includes $20 billion in direct relief to federally recognized tribal governments to combat the pandemic, reduce health inequities, and improve economic opportunities.   
• $6 billion for the Indian Health Service, with a focus on equitable and urgent access to vaccines, testing, tracing, and mental health resources.  

Increases Aid for Small Businesses: 

• Includes $7.25 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.
• Creates a Restaurant Revitalization Fund to offer assistance to restaurants and bars hard hit by the pandemic. Including $5 billion specifically for smaller establishments. 

Provides New Mexico with nearly $2.5 billion in COVID relief for:

• This amount includes funds that will go to the state government, in addition to cities and counties to climb out of this crisis. 

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