Help is here. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan to deliver direct relief to the American people, rescue the economy and crush COVID-19. The plan will put more shots in arms, more money into the pockets of our neighbors and small business owners, put food on the table, keep Floridians on the job, lift children out of poverty, operate schools safely and help students make up for lost ground. This page contains important information about some of the benefits for you. I also encourage you to follow me on Twitter @USRepKCastor, or contact my office for assistance at (813) 871-2817.
INCREASE VACCINATIONS FOR ALL
Vaccine distribution will ramp up dramatically, including at sites such as Raymond James Stadium, Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Port of Tampa, and more. I am working with President Biden to carry out his goal of 200 million shots by the summer and ensure that every single American, regardless of age, race, or income has easy access to the vaccine. Stay up to date on our progress at castor.house.gov/covid19/vaccine.htm
STIMULUS CHECKS
Floridians earning up to $75k per year and couples earning up to $150k and their dependents each will receive a $1,400 stimulus check. A typical family of four will receive a check for $5,600. Check the status of your payment at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The existing $300 weekly federal unemployment benefit will be extended through Sept. 6. Income taxes on the first $10,000 in unemployment benefits are waived. connect.myflorida.com
HISTORIC CHILD TAX CREDIT
We expanded the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 a year to $3,000 per child and $3,600 per child under six, with many families qualifying for monthly advance payments of the credit. You must file taxes to receive the Child Tax Credit. www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions
HOUSING AND FOOD ASSISTANCE
The plan provides emergency rental assistance, mortgage assistance, as well as badly needed resources to help communities address homelessness and food security. For help, go to HCFLGov.net/R3HomeHelp
SAVE SMALL BUSINESS
To aid Florida small businesses that have been hit hard, the plan makes new funds available for restaurants and venues to recover, offers loan forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expands PPP eligibility to nonprofits. sbdctampabay.com
HUGE INFUSION IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
Our students need to recover academically in safe places of learning. The plan delivers $500 million to Hillsborough County Public Schools.
- Close academic equity gaps and address learning loss
- Reduce class sizes
- Student health and mental health
- Expand internet connectivity to students and communities
- Keep educators employed and on the job
HELPFUL LINKS, RESOURCES AND A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Information and Resources
Healthcare and Symptoms: cdc.gov/coronavirus
IRS; Direct Stimulus Payments: irs.gov/coronavirus
Mortgages: fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance
Price Gouging: FloridaConsumerHelp.com
Hillsborough Rapid Response Recovery Assistance
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: Dial 2-1-1
Hillsborough County Social Services: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/social-services
City of Tampa: tampagov.net/emergency-management/covid-19/social-services
Additional Resources Options
Food Insecurity: feedingtampabay.org
Tax Assistance / VITA: unitedwaysuncoast.org
Signing Up for Health Coverage: coveringflorida.org
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