MADISON, Wis.— According to a new report released by the U.S. Treasury Department, Senator Ron Johnson’s obstruction of the American Rescue Plan could have blocked economic relief for nearly 3 million Badger State residents. These benefits included stimulus checks of up to $1,400 to over 163 million Americans and billions in funding for vaccine distribution and small businesses. Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a statewide RV tour to hold Senator Johnson accountable for his obstruction.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our elected officials who delivered on their promise to help Wisconsin workers and families recover from a pandemic that has devastated communities across the Badger State. Whether it’s shots in arms, money in pockets, or relief for small business, the American Rescue Plan is already a game-changer for so many in Wisconsin,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “Unfortunately, Senator Ron Johnson did everything he could to prevent this from happening, and we all must hold him accountable for standing in the way of Wisconsin’s recovery.”
The American Rescue Plan also increased the Child Tax Credit by $1,000 for children under the age of 17 and $1,600 for children under the age of 6. Advanced monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit will begin on July 15.
The American Rescue Plan provides:
- $1,400 stimulus checks for more than 2.94 million middle- and low-income Wisconsinites.
- $1,000 per child increase to the Child Tax Credit and an additional $600 per child aged 6 and under.
- $20 billion for vaccine distribution nationally, leading to more than 50% of Wisconsin residents receiving at least one dose.
- $50 billion in grants, loans, and paycheck protection for small businesses affected by the pandemic.
- $3 billion in direct funding to Wisconsin’s state and local governments to keep police officers, firefighters and first responders on the job.