House Democrats released an updated version of The Heroes Act, which reflected negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. The $2.2 trillion legislation includes:

• 15% increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs 
• $225 billion for education – including $182 billion for K-12 schools and nearly $39 billion for postsecondary education – and $57 billion to support child care for families.
• $436 billion for assistance to state, local, territorial and tribal governments 
• $75 billion for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures
• $1,200 stimulus check per taxpayer and $500 per dependent
• $600 federal unemployment payments through next January
• 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs 

​The updated HEROES Act also includes a key provision backed by President Trump and GOP allies:

• Provisions to improve the Paycheck Protection Program to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits
• $25 billion to stave off thousands of layoffs at passenger airlines, as well as $3 billion for airline contractors. The restaurant industry would receive $120 billion in aid. 
• Additional assistance for airline industry workers, extending the Payroll Support Program to keep airline industry workers paid

A possible vote on the legislation this Wednesday or Thursday, before the House leaves for October congressional recess. 

Poligon's President, Wardah Khalid,  and other faith leaders part of the Washington Interfaith Staff Community sent a letter calling for the passage of a robust COVID relief bill that provides aid for those most in need. As we approach the sobering loss of 200,000 lives in America with no end of the pandemic in sight, the vulnerable struggle under the weight of the health pandemic and crushing economic stagnation. Congress must pass a robust COVID relief bill providing critical assistance to families and communities.

​Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Senate will vote on a targeted COVID-19 Relief Bill as soon as this week. The bill includes:

• A $300 per week federal unemployment benefit through the end of the year
• Another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 
• $105 billion for elementary, secondary and post-secondary education
• $29 billion for the development of COVID-19 medical countermeasures and vaccines
• $16 billion for coronavirus testing
• $15 billion for child care
• Liability protections from coronavirus-related lawsuits

Several weeks have now passed since many relief programs from the CARES Act expired and millions of Americans continue to struggle amidst the pandemic. This bill does not include funding for state and local government, second stimulus check, SNAP benefit increase, and much more.