Hirono: American Rescue Plan Will Deliver Urgently-Needed Relief to Hawaii Residents Struggling During COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan – comprehensive COVID relief legislation that will provide billions of dollars in aid and support to Hawaii families and communities. The legislation passed the Senate 50-49 without a single Republican voting to support American families, businesses, and communities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every family and community in Hawaii and across our country. With so many people still out of work and unable to pay their mortgages and bills, it was crucial for the Senate to pass a sweeping relief bill that meets the urgency of the moment facing our country,” Senator Hirono said. “By passing the American Rescue Plan, the Senate has taken bold action to put money into peoples’ pockets, help our schools re-open safely, support state and local governments, speed vaccine distribution, expand health care access, and so much more. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this legislation as soon as possible so that President Biden can sign it into law.”

The American Rescue Plan includes billions of dollars in aid and assistance to Hawaii, including:

-        At least $2.2 billion in funding for state and county governments

-        $1,400 stimulus checks to hundreds of thousands of Hawaii residents

-        Expands the Child Tax Credit and makes it fully refundable, benefitting 278,000 children in Hawaii

-        Expands the Earned Income Tax Credit, benefitting 69,000 Hawaii families

-        Approximately $430 million in funding for Hawaii’s K-12 public schools to help them reopen safely

-        $100 million in funding for Hawaii colleges and universities

-        Over $130 million to support Hawaii child care programs

-        A minimum of $152 million in rental assistance for Hawaii residents

-        $20 million in grants to the Native Hawaiian Health Care systems

-        Provides 100% coverage of COBRA payments to help affected Hawaii residents keep their health insurance

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