Last night, House Republicans attempted to adjourn and leave Washington before voting on the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 relief package which includes help for struggling small businesses, direct payments to Americans, support for schools, and more.
The bill, which is scheduled for a vote in the House today, is extremely popular – 70% percent of Americans support the plan, and 64% of Republicans support the stimulus checks, a key element of the proposal.
Fortunately, last night’s Republican stunt led by conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene failed, but 202 Republicans still voted to deny their constituents help during a crisis – including Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, who is seen as a potential 2022 gubernatorial candidate. Republicans’ out-of-touch position on pandemic relief won’t bode well for their chances in 2022.
While Republicans play games with the stimulus package, Democratic governors are ushering in relief for their constituents. Most recently, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers provided $480 million in tax relief for businesses and low-income families impacted by the pandemic; Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bipartisan $216 million small business relief package; Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak signed legislation adding $50 million dollars to the state’s small business relief program; Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf allocated $145 million for small business grants; and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham indicated she would sign off on $200 million for small business grants.
“Republicans are playing games with pandemic relief while Americans continue to suffer,” said DGA Communications Director David Turner. “Will Mike Gallagher vote against pandemic relief for a second time? Or will he stand up to the extremists in his party and provide direct assistance to Wisconsinites?”
