Sánchez delivers $11 million check to Lakewood as part of American Rescue Plan funding

NORWALK – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) delivered a check in the amount of $11,309,045 to the City of Lakewood, highlighting the funding the City received through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established by the American Rescue Plan.

The American Rescue Plan – passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March – delivered over $43 billion in relief to local and state governments in California. Monday's event is part of Congresswoman Sánchez's efforts to meet with city councils, school boards, colleges and universities, business owners, essential workers, and other community leaders across the 38th Congressional District to discuss relief funds and ongoing efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

[CLICK HERE FOR USABLE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT]

"This pandemic hit our communities hard," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "As we mourn the loss of over 63,000 lives here in California alone, it is critical we deliver relief directly to working families, small businesses, and local governments. That is exactly what the American Rescue Plan did – it extended a lifeline to millions right here in Southern California and I was proud to support it. I am glad to be here in Lakewood to highlight over 11 million dollars the City received through this relief package."

"The City of Lakewood and many Lakewood residents and businesses suffered economically during the COVID pandemic," said Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood. "This infusion of funds from the federal government is much appreciated. It means a lot to know that local economic pain in Lakewood and in communities around the nation is acknowledged and being addressed as much as possible."

Lakewood Vice Mayor Steve Croft and Council Members Ariel Pe, Todd Rogers, and Vicki Stuckey were also present at Tuesday's event.

The Lakewood City Council said they are carefully considering how the federal funds can best be used in Lakewood in a way that fits within the federal rules guiding the program.

Congresswoman Sánchez continued: "One of the most important aspects of the American Rescue Plan is that it delivered financial relief directly to workers, businesses, and local governments. From families struggling to get by to essential workers and first responders working around the clock – this package put money in the pockets of those who needed it most. By delivering this money directly to the City of Lakewood, the federal government is acknowledging the sacrifices made over the course of this pandemic and is providing this City with the tools needed to finally get us back on track."

The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill to speed up the country's recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this relief package, the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund provided billions of dollars directly to municipalities to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs, stabilize households and businesses, and address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Sánchez also presented checks to the City of Norwalk and Cerritos College.

The critical relief for Californians included an estimated:

• $43 billion dollars in direct aid to the State of California and local governments to support essential workers, continue delivery of essential services, deliver relief to hard-hit families and businesses, and make necessary investments in water and broadband infrastructure.
  
• $3.8 billion in child care relief by investing in California's child care system and providers through the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program.
  
• $105 million for Head Start to help California families continue to access important quality early learning opportunities.
  
• $15 billion for California's K-12 Schools to re-open with necessary resources to keep students and educators safe. This includes repairing ventilation systems, reducing class sizes and implementing social distancing guidelines, purchasing personal protective equipment, and hiring support staff to care for students' health and well-being.
  
• $5 billion for California's institutions of higher education to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of the funds received by colleges and universities must be distributed to students to help with hardships caused by the pandemic.
  
• $2 billion to help Californians with emergency rental assistance.
  

• $1.6 billion for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim public transit agencies to be used to ensure safe access to reliable transit services.