As we continue to support our community through the pandemic, we need an investment by the federal government in the well-being of all people in this country. The pandemic has exasperated inequities in our country and affected the way we eat, work and live. While there has been pandemic relief legislation, all these changes are a temporary solution to a systemic problem. To ensure we continue to support and meet the needs of our neighbors, we need robust social infrastructure legislation that addresses inequity and supports community beyond temporary solutions.
The current administration has created a social infrastructure framework that ensures that working families are supported and protected in this country. This bill includes a robust set of provisions that bring us towards an equitable future:
- Helps schools fund free meals for all students, giving students fuel to learn
- Extends the child tax credit, which has helped families with children throughout the pandemic
- Provides housing vouchers for people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness
- Closes Medicaid coverage gaps, allowing more people to access healthcare
While the House of Representatives passed legislation, our Senate has not yet voted on the bill. This stall in movement leaves many communities in the country without support. With new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerging, this pandemic is far from over. We must continue to invest in our community and provide them with resources so they can thrive. A robust social infrastructure bill that includes essential nutrition provisions is the vital next step in ensuring that our families are supported in the new year and beyond.