U.S. Senator Alex Padilla hosted a discussion with Fresno EOC and Community Action Partnership of Kern to discuss the impact of the American Rescue Plan on children and families in the Central Valley. The plan provides urgent COVID-19 relief – including direct checks for struggling families, increased Child Tax Credit benefits, and funding for nutrition assistance, housing, and homelessness.
“It’s obvious our families and individuals need help, and there’s no doubt Fresno County’s poverty has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Emilia Reyes, CEO of Fresno EOC. “And with the American Rescue Plan, there’s actually hope that we can actually make some headway in tackling this issue head-on. COVID-19 increased the need for assistance in our community, and we adapted to those needs.”
The American Rescue Plan will make immediate reductions in child poverty, aiding over half a million children in California. The Central Valley is estimated to receive over $2 billion in COVID-19 relief funding. This includes $15 million to support the safe reopening of California’s K-12 schools and $5 billion to California colleges and universities.
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