KBJR6
By Natalie Grant
Minnesota's top-ranking Senator is voicing her support for the newly passed COVID relief package.
On Wednesday, Senator Amy Klobuchar said this highly-anticipated piece of legislation will have big impacts in the Northland, as another $1,400 is on its way to Americans.
The COVID relief bill passed the House for a second time Wednesday and is now on its way to the President's desk.
Senator Klobuchar says it will be a big help for both people and businesses that have been hurt.
"We don't want to be digging ourselves deeper and deeper into a hole so that when we are through this pandemic, which we know is going to happen this summer as we get the vaccines available for everyone by May, we want to be in a strong position," said Sen. Klobuchar.
The bill also includes money specifically aimed at getting people vaccinated and expanding the network to keep up with increasing supply.
It will get the shots out to every community.
"Because the administration believes with the new Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccine, and the remaining Pfizer's, and everything we got with Moderna that there will be enough vaccines available for all adults by the end of May. Now available is great, but we gotta get them out to people!" said Sen. Klobuchar.
Klobuchar said many Northlanders will also benefit from the increased child tax credit included in the bill.
President Biden is expected to sign the bill later this week.
Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota's 8th District, came out against the 1.9 trillion dollar piece of legislation.
In a statement released Wednesday, he said Congress should be passing relief that is targeted and temporary.
"Any relief that is passed by Congress must be targeted, temporary, and tied to COVID. Unfortunately, this package happens to be the most expensive single bill in American history, and its passage will undoubtedly result in tax increases to be shouldered by hardworking middle-class Americans for years to come. Quite frankly, this is the last thing that we should be passing at a time when so many Americans are struggling to get back on their feet," said Rep. Stauber.
