Delivering Bold Solutions For The Valley

Dear Friend,

The American Rescue Plan delivers bold solutions to address the pandemic. I want to update you about available resources and upcoming relief to assist you as we safely reopen our economy.

Supporting Families

Since 1997, the child tax credit has uplifted American families. I'm pleased to report that the American Rescue Plan Act expanded the 2021 child tax credit to help nearly 39 million American families in need during the pandemic.

The credit is fully refundable, and it is estimated to cut our national child poverty rate in half. The U.S. Department of Treasury will begin advance payments for qualifying families on July 15, 2021.

Find out more information and see if you qualify.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

This pandemic has impacted every facet of American life. The effects on restaurants and many businesses throughout our district have been devastating. That's why the American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide grant funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep the doors open.

I partnered with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to host a webinar with local business owners to make them aware of these important resources. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds go to eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Resources:

Agriculture & Nutrition Assistance

Nearly 25 million adults and 10 million children have been food insecure during the course of the pandemic. We have people in this country during the last year who have relied on food banks and churches having never been to one in their lives. The American Rescue Plan Act has delivered solutions to address food insecurity among families and support our farming communities. Some key investments include:

Providing $1.1 billion in additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative funds
Expanding the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, which allows convenience at stores to purchase necessary food items. Combined with the 15% increase for SNAP benefits, families can better deal with food insecurity in the Valley and throughout our nation.
Allocating $800 million for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); $37 million to cover food shortfalls in the Commodity Supplemental Food
Providing $3.6 billion to strengthen our food supply chain
Providing $5 billion to support socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

For more information

Housing & Rental Assistance

Creating greater access to housing is critical in the Valley. American families and homeowners have struggled to secure a safe place to live during the pandemic, with many fearing foreclosure or eviction.

The American Rescue Plan Act is working to address our housing crisis by delivering emergency rental assistance and direct assistance for mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and other related costs.

Housing resources:

Federal Resources

Fresno County

Madera County

Merced County

Crushing the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 vaccine is FREE for EVERYONE, regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status. Do your part and get vaccinated now by visiting MyTurn.gov. It takes less than 2 minutes to fill out the survey.

We must do better! The President has a goal to vaccinate 70% of the American public, with at least one dose to reach herd immunity by July 4. It is a way to demonstrate our patriotism on our nation's birthday – by defeating this pandemic. I urge you to get vaccinated. It's the right thing to do for your family, friends, and our country!

For more information

Sincerely,

Jim Costa
Member of Congress

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