NCJW Applauds House Passage of COVID Relief  

National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

February 26, 2021, Washington, DC- National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauds House passage of the American Rescue Plan, which will bring much needed health and economic relief to communities. NCJW Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan released the following policy statement:

“National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is grateful for the quick work of the House of Representatives to pass a robust COVID relief measure. NCJW advocates across the country worked hard to ensure many of our priorities to improve the lives of women, children, and families were included in the bill such as support for state and local governments; funding for COVID-19 testing, tracing, and vaccine distribution; direct stimulus payments; extended Unemployment Insurance; expanded subsidies to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act; critical child care assistance; a $15 minimum wage increase; and more.

“However, the Senate Parliamentarian’s ruling that raising the minimum wage does not meet requirements for the reconciliation process is a blow to 32 million workers — primarily women of color— who are not earning enough to survive. We urge Vice President Harris, who has the authority as the Senate Presiding Officer to override the Parliamentarian, to ensure a $15 minimum wage is included in the relief bill considered by the Senate.

“Our nation is struggling under the burdens of the pandemic and the American Rescue Plan is a bold and necessary step toward recovery. NCJW advocates look forward to working with the administration and Congress to get this bill over the finish line, and along with it, passing the FAMILY Act to ensure a national paid leave program and other critical measures to help those most in need and essential to our national recovery.”

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice; and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.

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