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NewDEAL Leaders Join New Democrat Coalition Members to Discuss COVID-19 Relief for Communities

News Category: Media

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YskYNMSZKsk[/embed]

Members of Washington’s congressional delegation joined Washington members of NewDEAL to address the most urgent challenges facing Washington state, local, and tribal governments, and the importance of the relief proposed by President Biden and House Democrats in their American Rescue Plan legislation.

The bill, which passed in the House on February 27, includes $350 billion to address budget shortfalls and prevent layoffs, as well as critical support specifically for schools, child care, and small businesses. However, key parts of the legislation are at risk in the Senate.

At the event, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (New Democrat Coalition Chair) and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (a New Democrat Coalition Member and NewDEAL alum) talked about the most important provisions for Washington in the current version of the bill, as well as their work as part of the New Democrat Coalition to ensure the American Rescue Plan is targeted at the country’s most pressing challenges. Joining them were Mayor Cassie Franklin (Everett, WA) and State Senate Majority Floor Leader Marko Liias (D-Lynwood), who spoke about the federal relief most needed to support their COVID response work and why it is vital that the final version of the bill includes direct aid to states and municipalities.

“Flexibility is vital, because then cities who know their communities and know the needs in their communities most closely, can address that directly.” - Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin

“Every single dollar that we receive in support we are pushing out the door to help families and neighbors that are struggling in this moment to build back, not just build back what we had, but build back better as we move forward.” - Senate Majority Floor Leader Marko Liias

“Let’s get America back to work in an equitable way.” - Congresswoman (NewDEAL Alumna) Marilyn Strickland

“The House passed the American Rescue Plan this weekend, which is comprehensive legislation to help end the COVID-19 pandemic, provide economic relief to workers and families, safely reopen our schools, and get Americans back to work safely.” - Congresswoman Suzan DelBene