Zoe Lofgren: “During this unique and difficult time for our nation, I support The Heroes Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and…”

“During this unique and difficult time for our nation, I support The Heroes Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic catastrophe. This bill will provide relief to my constituents in California's 19th District by providing nearly $1 trillion for state and local governments and the added flexibility to use these funds to address significant revenue shortfalls. The State of California is projecting a $54 billion shortfall through the next fiscal year, and this additional funding and flexibility will help maintain various health and welfare programs as well as keep our teachers, first responders, public health and other essential workers employed. Throughout the pandemic, more than 3,000 constituents and small business owners have contacted me to share the financial hardships they are facing. The Heroes Act addresses these challenges with a second round of direct payments for individuals and families, an extension of unemployment benefits, and $175 billion for rental and mortgage assistance. Plus, it strengthens the Paycheck Protection Program and expands eligibility to nonprofits of all sizes. The bill also makes key investments in food security by boosting SNAP maximum benefits by 15 percent and nearly doubling the minimum monthly benefit from $16 to $30.…”