Larson Visits Manchester, Highlights Impact of American Rescue Plan
Manchester, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined Manchester Mayor Jay Moran and local small businesses and organizations in Manchester to highlight the impact of the American Rescue Plan.
“Democrats passed the American Rescue Plan to get communities back on their feet and money in people’s pockets as we recover from this pandemic,” said Larson. “The record funds we secured have been invested in the services that give back to the community and businesses and non-profits that make Manchester such a special place.”
“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the Town of Manchester has been able to invest in programs that help serve those most impacted by the health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19. As a result, Manchester is currently positioned to emerge stronger, more resilient, and more equitable than before the pandemic,” said Manchester Mayor Jay Moran.
“The onset of the pandemic brought forth the first time in our 40 plus year business a concern that all we had worked for over these years could all be washed away with continued illnesses and shutdowns. The funds we received via the American Rescue Plan, PPP program, and EIDL loans were literally a lifeline that not only kept us operational but also allowed us to keep our staff employed. If it weren’t for these programs Manchester’s longest running restaurant would not be here today," said Keith Beaulieu, Owner of The Main Pub.
“We work directly with residents in the greater Manchester area in a variety of ways to ease financial or other unexpected emergencies. These federal funds give us the support necessary to assist in healing the wounds our community has endured over these last few years. As the increase for assistance has become present, MACC has increased its area of support and how we focus on working with our residents toward sustainability for themselves now and in the years to come,” said Shannon Baldassario, Assistant Executive Director, MACC Charities.
“This SVOG support was a lifeline when we needed it most. It went a long way to ensuring LTM can recover from the lost revenue as a result of the coronavirus-related shutdown,” said Little Theatre of Manchester Executive Director Dwayne Harris. “Over recent months, we have been able to open our doors, and are eager to return to our audience sizes that help financially sustain us. This funding continues to help Cheney Hall serve as a core cultural treasure in the State. This support is the government saying that the arts are crucial and matter to the communities and citizens we serve.”
The Town of Manchester received more than $40 million in local aid from the American Rescue Plan. In addition to COVID-19 vaccinations, stimulus payments to residents, and in-person school reopening, COVID relief funding in Manchester has supported:
$4 million from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) for 19 Manchester restaurants
$150,000 in rental payment assistance for eligible residents
$400,000 in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) to three live venues
$100,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant (AFG) for operations and safety training
a new social worker with the Manchester Police Department
homelessness outreach by the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC)