Blumenthal Announces State & Local Pandemic Relief Funding for Connecticut

[HARTFORD, CT] – At today’s event in Waterbury with local leaders, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced that Connecticut is expected to receive about $4.3 billion in state and local aid under the American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 pandemic relief plan currently being considered by Congress. The $4.3 billion includes $2.7 billion in state funding and $1.6 billion in local government funding.

“There is no avoiding the stark, staggering burden placed upon local governments as well as states by this pandemic. It has strained budgets, so that many local governments are in danger of laying off police, fire, first responders, and other key service personnel,” Blumenthal said during today’s event in Waterbury.

“We recognize the importance of state and local aid,” Blumenthal continued, emphasizing that the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation is united behind supporting the American Rescue Plan, which will also provide direct payments to Americans, rental assistance, nutritional aid, extended unemployment insurance, and vaccine funding. “It’s not a convenience or a luxury, it is a necessity and it is needed now. It is absolutely urgent that we act boldly, decisively, and urgently to provide state and local aid.”

“We are talking real money—it’s a big deal—and it is vitally needed here in Connecticut and across the country to make sure we conquer this pandemic and put America back to work, revive our economy, make sure children can go back to schools safely, and that people can put food on the table,” Blumenthal continued.

Blumenthal stressed the importance for Congress to urgently pass the American Rescue Plan, emphasizing he has “zero tolerance for delay.”

The American Rescue Plan would provide $1.9 trillion in new federal funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide economic relief. Connecticut is expected to receive about $2.7 billion in state funding and $1.6 billion in local government funding for a total of $4.3 billion to the state. The $1.6 billion in local government funding is divided between funds to counties and funds to cities through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The House is expected to pass the measure next week, with the Senate expected to pass it the week after. The bill is expected to be delivered to President Biden for his signature no later than mid-March.

Funds to Counties (in billions)

Funds to Cities and Towns through CDBG (in billions)

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