City of Eagle Pass to Receive An Estimated $6.4 Million from American Rescue Plan
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2021
Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez (Bexar-D) announced on Thursday, March 11, 2021, that the City of Eagle Pass, Texas will be receiving an estimated $6,472,267 Million in federal funds from the just approved COVID-19 American Rescue Plan, which President Joe Biden signed into law on March 11.
The $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 American Rescue Plan was approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on straight party lines as all Democrats voted in favor while all Republicans voted against it.
The American Rescue Plan will provide direct payments of $1,400 to all individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 will receive $1,400 per person.
The American Rescue Plan also provides a child tax credit of $3,600 for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17.
In addition, the legislation will provide federal funds to city and county governments and school districts, as well as funds for vaccines, small businesses, and anti-poverty programs.
Maverick County Commissioner Roberto Ruiz suggested that local governments should select a blue-ribbon committee composed of citizens to evaluate and determine how these once in a lifetime influx of federal funds should be best used and spent in the community to ensure an equitable distribution and allocation of these funds. Ruiz’s suggestion is meritorious and should be seriously considered and approved by local governments receiving funds from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan.
Senator Gutierrez stated that “thanks to President Joe Biden and the Democratic caucus of the 117th Congress, Senate District 19 will receive up to $846.8 Million from the American Rescue Plan and will be in a position for a very strong economic recovery.”
Of the $846,776,500 Million to be received by Senate District 19 governments, cities will receive $393,463,500 Million while counties will receive $453,313,000 Million.
In addition to these funds to be received by city and county governments, individuals residing in Senate District 19 will be receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in direct payments, child tax credits, small business grants and loans.
