Here's How Much Stimulus Money Buffalo Residents Could Receive

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The United States of House of Representatives just passed the new stimulus bill that was proposed by President Biden after he took office in January.

Representative Brian Higgins from NY-26, which covers Buffalo and Niagara Falls, announced in a press release some details about the plan that was passed.

House Resolution 1319, otherwise known as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, is a $1.9 trillion assistance package that is designed to assist individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses that are still feeling the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
-Rep. John Yarmuth, Kentucky

This new stimulus bill includes the following items:

An additional $1,400 stimulus payment for individuals earning up to $75,000, heads of household earning up to $112,500, and joint filers with adjusted gross income up to $150,000.
Expands pandemic unemployment insurance from $300 to $400 per week and extends the program through August 29, 2021.
Increases the Child Tax Credit from $2,000/child to $3,000/child ($3,600/child under age 6). This measure will lift 7.1 million people, including over 4 million children, out of poverty.
Families earning up to $125,000 are eligible to receive a credit for half of their first $16,000 in child care expenses and those earning up to $400,000 can receive a credit for at least 20% of the first $16,000.
Credits for Paid Family & Medical Leave are extended through September 2021.
Continues the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 2021, and includes an additional $750 million for senior nutrition programs.
An additional $4.5 billion for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Additional funding for small businesses, including:
- $25 billion to help struggling restaurants.
- $1.25 billion for Shuttered Venue Grants.
- $15 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
- $7.25 billion for an expanded Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Erie and Niagara County should receive approximately $792 million in State & Local Aid and approximately $414 million in School Aid.

The American rescue plan is bold action needed to meet this defining moment…Wall Street and Main Street has always been a false choice. This is about the neighborhood streets and the homes where real families live and struggle every day to give their kids a fighting chance. So to give their kids a fighting chance, let the recovery begin.
-Rep. Brian Higgins, New York

You can find out more about what was included in this bill here on Congress.gov.

This plan now moves to the US Senate where they are expected to pass the bill and then move it on to President Biden for signature.