Kankakee, IL – President Joe Biden recently announced the American Rescue Plan of 2021 in response to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 20 million Americans have contracted Covid-19, and even more have been impacted financially. The plan focuses on not only the pandemic, but also investing in racial justice, as well as the economic and public health crisis.

Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong was invited to speak at a press conference this morning hosted by Congresswoman Robin Kelly in Matteson, Illinois to announce how the new legislation will benefit local communities with additional federal funding. The press conference can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/reprobinkelly/.

As a result, the City of Kankakee is set to receive $14.5 million dollars in direct funding.

“This news is unprecedented and life-changing. At a national level, the first relief packages did not include all municipalities which is why my work with the National League of Cities (NLC) is so important. Serving as a Vice-Chair on the Small Cities Council allows me to elevate the platform of small cities like Kankakee which are classified as such by populations less than 50,000 residents. With this funding, I envision a plan that allows us to enhance vaccine distribution, replace revenues in our general fund budget that will provide relief for our residents, make improvements in our neighborhoods, and invest in workforce development for those who are unemployed and under-employed. We are finally on a strong path to recovery,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Congresswoman Kelly spoke on how the bill also allows unemployment benefits to be extended, childcare benefits to be enhanced, as well as provide target relief to small businesses and restaurants. More than $300 billion has been allocated for state and local governments under the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building, and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release -  Mayor Wells-Armstrong Joins Congresswoman Robin Kelly During Press Conference to Announce New Legislation to Benefit Local Communities