Passed: A New Round of COVID-19 Aid for Vermonters

The Vermont House gave preliminary approval today to nearly $80 million in additional COVID-19 RELIEF & RECOVERY AID for Vermonters. H.315 provides critical assistance to working families and businesses struggling due to the pandemic. The intent of the funding is to address health disparities, increase social equity, and stimulate economic recovery. The COVID-19 relief package includes funding for:

• Small businesses that received no federal assistance

• Pandemic-related services for New American and immigrant communities

• Housing and community supports for Vermonters struggling with mental health issues

• One-time stimulus checks for the poorest Vermonters on Reach Up

• Added investment in VT Farmers to Families Food Box program

• Improving the indoor air quality of school buildings for student safety

• New housing creation for homeless Vermonters

• Increased data collection to track disparities and improve health equity

• Additional investment in pensions system for state employees and teachers