SHOW US THE MONEY

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA). The $1.9 trillion package, based on President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. This was passed in Congress along party lines. The ARPA of 2021 consists of funding for a number of areas including but not limited to: nutrition assistance, business, education, non-profits, child care, water and utility assistance, healthcare, housing homelessness and rental assistance, public transportation, cybersecurity and technology modernization, restaurants, broadband, and state and local assistance. When one considers the funds mentioned above and the Cares Act, which was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill, the money is flowing for the first time in many generations. So why are the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer? Most studies show that economic empowerment, housing, healthcare, and education gaps are widening instead of closing. Our state and local governments, school systems, and others are getting millions of dollars, and we must band together to get a fair share to address the disparities in our communities. Businesses are closing generally and specifically minority businesses at a disproportionate rate. Community leaders need to roll up their sleeves and work harder than ever before. The funds are often for one time and will eventually disappear. These funds are for rebuilding foundations to spur economic and community development and growth. The future is now! The money is coming. We now need our leaders to SHOW IT TO US so we can get it and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most!