Congressman Stephen Lynch Tours Brockton, Quincy, and Boston to Detail $1.9T American Rescue Plan

WATD Radio

Congressman Stephen Lynch visited Boston, Quincy, and Brockton to discuss the $1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan.

Brockton will receive $35.6 million dollars in this round of funding for impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We think the best thing to do is to leave it to the local leaders as to where the money should go,” said Lynch. “Mayor Sullivan is extremely hands-on, he knows much better than I do in terms of where the need is in the City of Brockton. I think it works for a better partnership if I bring the money to the Mayor and he can spend it.”

Lynch says the American Rescue Plan includes $1,400 stimulus checks, increased child tax credits to $3,600, and unemployment assistance for $300 each week.

Funding includes $20 billion nationwide for vaccine distribution and $7.6 billion for vaccines and testing at community centers.

Mayor Robert Sullivan says the funding will be a catalyst for healing in a city that was among the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city had the second-highest infection rate and number of hospitalizations in Massachusetts.

“We’ll never forget the memory of those that have perished because of this deadly virus in the City of Brockton, the Commonwealth, and the nation as a whole,” said Sullivan. “Four hundred and ten residents to date, and our thoughts and prayers will always be with their loving, surviving family members.”

Starting off, he says funding will go towards schools, businesses, and child care.

“Congressman Lynch on day 1 was working with me. He was the first one to call me to say ‘how do we get PPE, what do you need in Brockton, what do you need Bob.’ That just shows who he is, it just continues to today,” said Sullivan.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Sue Joss and Doctor [Maria] Celli, and President Biden.”

Sullivan says they worked together to have the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center receive federal designation to distribute vaccines.

“We wouldn’t be having as many people rolling up their sleeves, taking the shot, and saving lives.”