Larsen votes to support WA essential workers, first responders
By Office of Rick Larsen | Press Release
Releases New Details on Benefits for State and Local Communities & Counties
Editors Note: HEROES Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 15 with a vote of 208 yeas vs. 199 nays. The bill, is also known as the coronavirus relief bill, and the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act. The $3 trillion relief bill is intended to provide assistance to state and local governments, hazard pay for frontline health care workers, student debt forgiveness and bolstered Medicaid and Medicare. The bill is awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 15, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for the HEROES Act to address the continued public health crisis and provide much needed support for Washington state’s frontline workers. The bill includes increased funding for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, key support for frontline workers and strengthened assistance for Washingtonians.
For a fact sheet on the HEROES Act, click here. For bill text, click here.
“Since the last relief package was signed into law on April 23, I have been listening to the concerns and needs of Northwest Washingtonians on the front lines of pandemic response and recovery. The HEROES Act is an important next step to protect Washingtonians’ health, safety and economic security,” said Larsen. “It delivers critical relief to Washington’s families, boosts testing and tracing to safely reopen the economy and supports essential workers and first responders working to keep communities safe. It also helps ensure Washington state can hold safe, fair elections this year and invests in broadband internet access to help bridge the digital divide for students learning from home.”
The HEROES Act provides Washington state and local and county governments with robust funding to cover COVID-19-related revenue loss and pay health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other essential workers keeping Washingtonians safe.
An analysis prepared by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service estimates that, if it becomes law, the HEROES Act would provide approximately $10.8 billion for Washington state communities over the next two years, including the following estimated amounts for Northwest Washington:
Counties
- Snohomish County – $462,319,525
- Whatcom County – $128,922,948
- Skagit County – $72,661,756
- Island County – $47,881,232
- San Juan County – $9,887,690
Municipalities
- Everett – $65,132,673
- Bellingham – $60,440,890
- Marysville – $27,636,858
- Lynnwood – $19,012,860
- Oak Harbor – $11,553,061
- Mukilteo – $10,636,755
- MountlakeTerrace – $10,575,043
- Arlington – $9,776,731
- Anacortes – $8,314,565
- Sedro-Woolley – $5,951,053
- Burlington – $4,504,514
- Stanwood – $3,556,611
- Brier – $3,445,035
- Friday Harbor – $1,221,412
- Coupeville – $967,157
- Langley – $560,843
- La Conner – $472,964
The HEROES Act also includes a $90 billion fund to support state and local public education, including $1.7 billion for Washington communities. This funding will help support elementary, secondary and public higher education and can be used to meet urgent needs including summer learning, afterschool programs, distance learning and emergency financial aid for college students.