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Release Date: December 20, 2020

Governor Polis Applauds Congressional Action on COVID-19

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis applauded bipartisan Congressional action to provide COVID-19 relief:

“Colorado’s hardworking people and small businesses need relief and we are glad Congress is finally considering at least some help. Additional federal direct cash payments of $600 per person and extended unemployment benefits for over 16,000 Coloradans impacted by this pandemic are a welcomed resource,” said Governor Polis. “Ultimately, this package is an important down payment from the federal government for what is needed to help get the nation successfully through the health crisis from the deadly virus and the global recession.”

“I want to thank Senator Bennet for his leadership on securing the extended benefit language in the final package. In addition, I would like to thank the sponsors of SB20B-02, Housing and Direct COVID Emergency Assistance, for their leadership on the bill and especially thank Representative Kipp who brought this issue to our attention, as well as the bill sponsors, Senator Holbert, Gonzalez, and Reps. Exum and Tipper,” said the Governor. 

The package includes:

  • Enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Language allowing Unemployment Insurance benefits to continue for over 16,000 Coloradans currently on Extended Benefits (EB), and a $300 per week UI enhancement for Coloradans out of work 
  • $600 in direct payment checks: Direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child
  • $69 billion in funding for vaccines testing and tracing, community health and health care provider support 
  • $325 billion in support for small business: more than $280 billion for PPP loans, $15 billion in funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions and $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses
  • Rental assistance: $25 billion for rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021 
  • $13 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits 
  • $82 billion for education and $10 billion for child care assistance: funding for colleges and schools, and funding for child care assistance to get families back to work 
  • $7 billion in Broadband access: funding to increase access to broadband, including to increase telehealth, the tribal broadband fund and funding to complete the broadband maps in order for the government to distribute funding to the areas that need it the most 
  • $10 billion for state highways 
  • $13 billion for farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic, as well as funds to support the food supply chain 

“I thank Colorado’s federal delegation for their efforts and look forward to working with President-Elect Biden and the next Congress to ensure Colorado builds back stronger,” concluded Governor Polis.