Press Releases

Pingree Statement on Biden COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement on the announcement from the incoming Biden-Harris Administration outlining their emergency relief package:

“The fact that President-elect Biden has unveiled such a comprehensive relief bill before he even takes office speaks to his keen understanding that Americans are in acute pain because of this pandemic. COVID-19 has taken more than 385,000 American lives, caused more Mainers to lose their jobs than any recession in the past 50 years,  and put millions at risk of eviction or not having enough to eat. Our state and municipal officials are doing everything they can to fight this virus, including standing up distribution of lifesaving vaccines, while facing potential cuts to essential services and layoffs. All the while hundreds of small businesses—from restaurants to community theaters--have closed permanently while they waited for aid that was stalled in the U.S. Senate.

“December’s relief package, while a step in the right direction, wasn’t nearly enough to meet the overwhelming need. I believe the state and local aid, public health infrastructure, and relief for struggling Mainers included in President-elect Biden’s package fills important gaps and will deliver an immediate boost to Maine’s economy. I look forward to working with the new Administration to address the needs of Americans for as long as this pandemic is impacting our health and our economy.”

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