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BURLINGTON, April 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will hold a series of virtual meetings on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) today, April 7, and tomorrow, April 8, with Vermont small businesses, municipalities, and public libraries.
The ARP, the coronavirus relief package enacted in March, is bringing substantial federal funding to Vermont, including $1.3 billion in state and local aid, assistance to small businesses, and over $2 million in additional funding for public libraries. The ARP is also bringing direct aid to individuals through stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, food assistance, and critical investments in housing, health care, and education.
On Wednesday, Sanders will meet with small businesses throughout Vermont to discuss their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic, the new assistance that is available through the ARP, and what they need going forward to sustain their operations and strengthen our local economies.
On Thursday, Sanders will hold a discussion with public libraries on how they have continued to serve their communities through the pandemic, and how they plan to use the $2.1 million in additional ARP funds to create new programming and meet the needs of Vermonters. Following this meeting, Sanders will partner with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to meet with municipal leaders to discuss how they are responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the additional $1.3 billion in direct federal aid to local governments can best be used to help our communities. Sanders will also share information with towns about historic investments in summer and after school programming, and how they can help make these programs a success for area students.
Vermonters interested in attending these events are encouraged to visit http://www.sanders.senate.gov for details and registration information.
Wednesday, April 7
Meeting with Vermont Small Businesses
What: Panel Discussion and Q&A with Small Businesses on the American Rescue Plan
When: Wednesday, April 7, 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Where: Virtual event hosted via Webex
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Sue Bette, Owner, Bluebird Barbeque, Burlington
Mujib Khaliq, Owner, North Country Kettle Bells, Burlington
Newell Lessell, CFO, Chroma Technologies, Bellows Falls
Mateo Kehler, Co-owner, Cellars at Jasper Hill, Greensboro
Vicky Senni, Director, Turtle Island Children’s Center, Montpelier
Details: Members of the press and the public are invited to watch the event at: https://www.facebook.com/senatorsanders
Thursday, April 8
Meeting with Vermont Public Libraries
What: Roundtable Discussion with Vermont Public Libraries on the American Rescue Plan
When: Thursday, April 8, 11:00 – 11:45 A.M.
Where: Virtual event hosted via Webex
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Jason Broughton, Vermont State Librarian
Kevin Unrath, President of the Vermont Library Association
Bob Joly, Director of St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
Starr LaTronica, Director of Brooks Memorial Library
Mary Danko, Director of Fletcher Free Library
Barbara Ball, Director of Windsor Public Library
Amy Olsen, Director of Lanpher Memorial Library
Molly Kennedy, Director of Brandon Free Public Library
Randal Smathers, Director of Rutland Free Library
Nate Eddy, Director of Winooski Memorial Library
Details: Librarians, library board members, and members of the public interested in attending can find more information at: http://www.sanders.senate.gov
Meeting with Vermont Municipalities
What: Panel Discussion and Q&A on Municipalities and the American Rescue Plan with Senator Sanders and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns
When: Thursday, April 8, 12:00 – 12:45 P.M.
Where: Virtual event hosted via WebEx
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Ted Brady, Vermont League of Cities and Towns Executive Director
Carol Dawes, Barre City Clerk and member of the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ Association
Scott Tucker, Wilmington Town Manager
Kristine Lott, Winooski Mayor
Kim Peters, Rutland Recreation and Parks Department Superintendent
Details: Members of the press and the public are invited to watch the event at: https://www.facebook.com/senatorsanders
